What Are the Best Treatment Options for Trauma Patients?

From car crashes to workplace falls, traumatic injuries can happen without warning. Unfortunately, 100 million people are temporarily disabled each year, and another 40 million are permanently disabled from traumatic injuries each year.

Regardless of the type of injury or the cause of the injury, all traumatic injuries require expert medical attention to avoid long-term complications.

Our team at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services provides advanced care for people recovering from serious injuries in Visalia, Porterville, Reedley, and Tulare, California.

Take a moment as we explain the treatment options for trauma patients. 

What counts as a traumatic injury?

A traumatic injury is any serious (or even life-threatening) injury caused by an external force. These injuries may be obvious — like a broken bone or joint dislocation — or hidden, such as internal damage or stress fractures that worsen over time. 

Most traumatic injuries occur due to one of the following:

• Car accidents
• Sports injuries
• Falls at work
• Overuse injuries

Because the severity of trauma isn’t always visible, a comprehensive exam and diagnostic testing are a non-negotiable step that happens before you can even start to review the best treatment option for your case. Even if you think your injury is minor, delaying treatment could lead to long-term pain, chronic instability, or loss of function.

When should you see a trauma specialist?

If you experience a major injury — such as severe bleeding, an open fracture, or a crush injury — call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

Once your condition is stable, or if you have a non-life-threatening injury that doesn’t improve with rest and at-home care, it’s time to see a trauma specialist. Warning signs to watch for include:

• Persistent or worsening pain
• Limited mobility or loss of function
• Swelling or bruising
• Numbness or tingling

Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services provides expert care for a wide range of trauma-related conditions, including fractures, sprains, dislocations, and injuries affecting your hand, wrist, and elbow.

What are the best treatment options for traumatic injuries?

The best treatment really depends on what kind of injury you have and how severe it is. Usually, when it comes to traumatic injuries, there are two main options: nonsurgical and surgical treatments, and your healthcare provider can help determine which is best for your specific situation.

Nonsurgical treatments

Not all traumatic injuries require surgery. Depending on the severity, your provider may recommend nonsurgical options, such as immobilization with a cast or brace, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy.

Surgical treatments

For more serious injuries — such as complex fractures or joint dislocations — surgical intervention may be necessary. Your provider may use internal fixation devices, such as metal plates, screws, or pins, to stabilize broken bones. 

The goal of surgery is threefold: The team at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services specializes in orthopedic procedures designed to repair damage, relieve pain, and improve your long-term mobility.

How the Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services team can help with traumatic injuries

At Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services, Dr. Jonathan Liu and Dr. Huey Yuan Tien, our board-certified surgeons, develop a personalized plan that may include:

• Emergency trauma care to stabilize your condition
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to assess your injury
• Casting or bracing for broken bones 
• Surgical intervention, if needed, to repair damaged structures
• Post-traumatic rehabilitation, including physical therapy

In many cases, traumatic injuries require a multifaceted approach. For example, you may need surgery for a broken wrist, followed by physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility after your surgery. 

Expert trauma care across the Central Valley 

If you’ve suffered a serious injury—whether at work, on the road, or at home — Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services is here to help you recover fully. With offices in Visalia, Porterville, Reedley, and Tulare, California, expert trauma care is always close to home.

Call the nearest location or book an appointment online today. For less urgent matters, click here to schedule your consultation.