Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery in Perth
Orthopaedic trauma surgery in Perth with Dr Rhys Clark — upper and lower limb fractures, hip fractures, knee injuries, and foot and ankle trauma. Trauma patients are prioritised.
Trauma surgery is a large part of Dr Rhys Clark’s work. Every patient and every injury is different, so trauma requires detailed and swift action to achieve the best outcome. Trauma patients are always prioritised.
Areas covered
Upper limb trauma — fractures of the shoulder, collarbone, upper arm, elbow and wrist. Many are treated without an operation, using a plaster or sling; more complex injuries need surgical management.
Lower limb trauma — hip fractures, fractured thigh bones, knee injuries, and foot and ankle trauma. Lower limb injuries often leave patients unable to walk, which makes prompt assessment important.
Injuries range from minor sporting trauma through to major traffic accidents, and can involve either broken bones or soft tissue damage such as ligament ruptures and sprains. Whatever the treatment plan, the aim is the best outcome for lifelong mobility.
What counts as orthopaedic trauma?+
Injuries to bone and soft tissue — broken bones (fractures), ligament ruptures and sprains. These range from minor sporting injuries and simple falls through to major traffic accidents. Both upper limb injuries (shoulder, collarbone, upper arm, elbow, wrist) and lower limb injuries (hip, thigh, knee, foot and ankle) are covered.
Do all fractures need surgery?+
No. Many do not. Fractures of the wrist, elbow and shoulder are relatively common and a good majority are treated without an operation — often in a plaster, sling or CAM boot followed by physiotherapy. Some simpler injuries can be managed by your GP, while more complex ones need an orthopaedic surgeon.
How quickly are trauma patients seen?+
Trauma patients are always prioritised, because swift action produces the best outcome. This is particularly true of lower limb trauma, where patients are often unable to walk and are in severe pain.
Why does a hip fracture need urgent treatment?+
Because outcomes are better the sooner surgery happens. The hip is a primary site affected by osteoporosis, and a simple trip can cause a fracture. Once fractured you cannot walk on that leg. Evidence shows patients who have their operation as soon as reasonably possible track better outcomes, and physiotherapy begins daily in hospital afterwards.
Upper Limb Trauma
Upper limb trauma treatment in Perth with Dr Rhys Clark — shoulder, collarbone, upper arm, elbow and wrist fractures. Many are treated without surgery.
Learn more →Lower Limb Trauma
Lower limb trauma surgery in Perth with Dr Rhys Clark — hip fractures, fractured thigh bones, knee injuries, and foot and ankle trauma. Trauma patients are prioritised.
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