Common orthopedic traumas affect millions of people each year. Orthopedic trauma injuries are among the most frequent causes of emergency room visits worldwide, impacting patients of all ages and activity levels. From falls and sports injuries to car accidents and bone-weakening diseases, these injuries often require immediate intervention.
In this blog, we break down the top 5 most common orthopedic trauma injuries and the devices used to treat them. This guide will give you a clear view of today’s trauma care landscape.
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Table of Contents
➜ Top 5 Most Common Orthopedic Trauma Injuries and How They’re Treated
➜ Innovation in Orthopedic Trauma Devices
➜ Get a Complimentary Orthopedic Trauma Report Summary
Key Takeaways
- Falls, vehicle accidents, and sports injuries are the leading causes of orthopedic trauma injuries.
- Hip and wrist fractures are the most common orthopedic injuries, especially in older adults.
- Intramedullary nails, cannulated screws, and bioabsorbable fixation devices are widely used.
- Pediatric fractures often require specialized fixation devices to avoid growth plate disruption.
- New materials like resorbable polymers and magnesium alloys are reducing the need for secondary surgeries.
Top 5 Most Common Orthopedic Trauma Injuries and How They’re Treated
In 2023, orthopedic trauma accounted for approximately one-third of emergency department visits in the United States, underscoring its significant impact on healthcare resources.
These are some of the most common orthopedic trauma injuries:
- Hip Fractures -> Broken Hip
- Wrist Fractures -> Broken Wrist
- Tibial Shaft Fractures -> Broken Shinbone
- Clavicle Fractures – Broken Collarbone
- Pediatric Fractures -> Childhood Bone Breaks
Hip Fractures
Hip fractures often happen when older adults fall, especially those with weak bones due to osteoporosis. In younger people, they usually come from serious accidents like car crashes or falls from heights. These injuries often require surgery right away.
Devices used:
- Hip screws and intramedullary nails are used to hold the broken parts of the bone in place while they heal.
- Intramedullary nails (long rods inserted into the bone) are especially useful because they provide strong support from inside the bone and require only small incisions.
- Hip screws are often used when the break is stable and doesn’t involve the bone shaft.
Why it matters:
Titanium is now used more often than stainless steel because it’s lighter and better for healing. Newer techniques, including robot-assisted surgery, help surgeons place implants more precisely and reduce recovery time.
Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures often happen when someone falls and tries to catch themselves with their hands. These are very common in older adults, children, and athletes.
Devices used:
- Plates and screws are attached to the bone to hold it in the right position. Locking plates are especially helpful because they provide a stable hold even if the bone is fragile.
- External fixators are metal frames placed outside the arm, used when the fracture is severe or the skin and tissues are too damaged for internal devices.
Why it matters:
Using locking plates allows people to start moving their wrists sooner, which helps avoid stiffness. Most modern plates are made of titanium for strength and to reduce irritation.
Tibial Shaft Fractures
These are serious leg injuries, usually caused by car crashes, sports like skiing or motocross, or falling from a height. The tibia (shinbone) is close to the skin, so the fracture can sometimes break through.
Devices used:
- Intramedullary nails (inserted inside the bone) are the most common method. They provide strong, stable support and allow for faster healing with smaller surgical cuts.
- External fixators are used when the skin and soft tissue are badly injured and internal devices would increase the risk of infection.
Why it matters:
New titanium nails are lightweight and reduce infection risk. Some systems now have locking screws that adjust for better bone healing and help patients get back on their feet faster.
Clavicle Fractures
A broken collarbone is common in bike accidents and contact sports like football or hockey. These injuries often cause visible bone movement and pain when lifting the arm.
Devices used:
- Plates shaped to fit the collarbone are used when the bone is badly out of place. These help the bone heal in the correct position and reduce the risk of complications.
- Cannulated screws (hollow screws placed over guidewires) are sometimes used for less severe or midshaft breaks.
Why it matters:
New plates are designed to fit more naturally, reducing the chance of pain from the implant. Titanium and low-profile designs also reduce the need for future surgeries to remove the hardware.
Pediatric Fractures
Children break bones frequently, often during play, sports, or minor accidents. Special care is needed because their bones are still growing, especially around the growth plates.
Devices used:
- Bioabsorbable implants slowly dissolve as the bone heals, so they don’t need to be removed later.
- Flexible nails and pins made of titanium are used in longer bones like the thigh or forearm. They allow for natural movement and healing while keeping the bone in place.
Why it matters:
More hospitals now use resorbable devices in children to avoid second surgeries. These materials are safe and help reduce stress for families and kids during recovery.
Innovation in Orthopedic Trauma Devices
Key trends driving innovation:
- Titanium’s rise: With costs decreasing, titanium has become the material of choice in plates, screws, and nails.
- Biocompatible and resorbable materials: Magnesium alloys and polymers reduce the need for hardware removal.
- Robotics in trauma surgery: Robotic arms now assist in bone reshaping, implant positioning, and precision cuts with sub-millimeter accuracy.
These advancements aim to reduce complications, accelerate recovery, and improve long-term outcomes.
📌 Growth Drivers and Limiters in the Global Orthopedic Trauma Devices Market:
Get a Complimentary Global Orthopedic Report Summary
For an in-depth understanding of these trends, delve into our detailed Global Orthopedic Trauma Devices Report. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the Global Orthopedic Trauma Devices Market, covering:
Fixation Devices: Plate and screw, bioabsorbable fixation, staple fixation, bone pin
Intramedullary and Hip Screw Devices: Intramedullary nail, cannulated screw, intramedullary hip screw, conventional hip screw
External and Growth Devices: External fixation, bone growth stimulation
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