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Foot and Ankle - October '07
Timely treatments for traumatic foot and ankle injuries
Nabil Ebraheim, MD
At The University of Toledo Medical Center, physicians and staff strive to provide prompt medical attention for traumatic foot and ankle injuries. According to Nabil Ebraheim, MD, professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery at UTMC, most foot and ankle injuries result from motor vehicle accidents or falling.
Range of fractures
Fractures can affect all parts of the foot and ankle and range in severity. “We usually diagnose fractures by a physical exam and X-ray or CT scan,” says Dr. Ebraheim. “UT Medical Center uses the most current technology to diagnose all aspects of the foot and ankle. Often the fracture may appear simple. However, after a careful exam and X-ray or CT scan, we might learn it is actually very complicated.”
Internal fixation most common type of treatment
There are several types of treatment available to patients with a traumatic foot or ankle injury, but one of the most common is internal fixation, which use wires, plates, screws, rods, nails or pins inside the body to support the fractured bone. This surgical treatment allows patients to make a quick recovery with less chance of improper healing. The surgery is often followed by physical therapy.
The advantages of a Level 1 Trauma Center
At the UT Medical Center, physicians and staff offer specialized care for patients with traumatic foot and ankle injuries. The hospital is a Level 1 Trauma Center that treats hundreds of traumatic foot and ankle injuries each year. To qualify as a Level 1 Trauma Center, the hospital must be equipped to handle the most serious traumatic injuries at any time and undergo vigorous evaluation by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. “Traumatic foot and ankle injuries require a lot of attention and they require the physician to be exact in fixing the injury,” says Dr. Ebraheim. “It is extremely important the surgeon doesn’t compromise even a millimeter because if things are not exact, the patient can eventually develop arthritis.”
Prompt treatment for a full recovery
It is important to get prompt medical attention for a traumatic foot or ankle injury to increase the opportunity for a full recovery. “When there is an emergency like a fracture and dislocation, we want to see the patient right away,” he says. “ The effect of fractures can often be reversed as long as the patient receives expert care and does not wait too long to seek medical attention.”
To schedule an appointment with one of UT Medical Center’s orthopaedic specialists within 24 hours, call 877-451-2299.
