For over 25 years, Centro Médico ABC has been recognized for its excellence. One of its most prominent units is the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center, which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of disorders and conditions related to traumatology and orthopedics.
This orthopedics and traumatology clinic was created with the purpose of assisting individuals whose mobility has been affected by musculoskeletal injuries or other conditions. Therefore, it is helpful to define this field.
What Is the Difference Between Traumatology and Orthopedics?
Traumatology is the branch of medicine responsible for treating traumatic injuries to the bones, muscles, joints, and tendons. These conditions can be congenital or acquired throughout life due to various situations anyone might encounter.
Orthopedics, on the other hand, is the medical branch practiced in conjunction with traumatology to correct or prevent deformities and trauma within the musculoskeletal system.
In this sense, the common ground between both specialties is their focus on traumatic injuries, such as functional alterations in the limbs and spine, including bones and muscles. However, they also study degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, bone malformations, and tumorous conditions like bone cancer.
Conditions Treated at an Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic
In an orthopedics and traumatology hospital, professionals address a wide range of traumatic conditions, including:
- Fractures: Characterized by a broken bone caused by trauma or physical damage.
- Knee or Back Pain: Occurs due to occupational or athletic overexertion, manifesting as low back pain (lumbalgia) or muscle soreness.
- Osteoporosis: A degenerative disease characterized by the loss of bone calcium density.
- Orthopedic Alterations: Commonly known conditions such as flat feet or spinal deformities.
- Joint Pain: Identified by cartilage wear caused by aging or overuse from high-impact activities.
When to Consult an Orthopedic Traumatologist
It is recommended to see an orthopedic traumatologist when experiencing bone, joint, or muscle pain.
The source of this discomfort may be due to trauma, overuse, or spontaneous pain. In any case, seeking a specialist’s evaluation is crucial to taking the necessary steps toward recovery.
Diagnostic Tests for Musculoskeletal Injuries
These are some of the imaging and diagnostic studies used to properly evaluate your condition:
- X-rays and CT Scans: Diagnostic tests used to detect or rule out traumatic or degenerative bone injuries.
- MRI and Ultrasound: Auxiliary exams that provide detailed views of injuries to muscle and ligament structures.
- Bone Densitometry (DEXA Scan): A medical test indicated for detecting calcium loss in the bones and diagnosing osteoporosis.
- Electromyography (EMG): A test used to detect nerve damage or dysfunction.
Differences Between an Orthopedic Surgeon (Traumatologist) and a Rheumatologist
It is common for patients to confuse these two specialties:
- An orthopedic traumatologist treats traumatic injuries and performs surgical procedures.
- A rheumatologist specializes in non-surgical treatments, focusing on managing chronic and degenerative conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and tendons. They also treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center at Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized care. Contact us today!
