Updates

BJC and Saint Luke’s Officially Combine as BJC Health System

Orthopedic trauma care: Why choose us?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Our program is home to the nation’s first Level I Trauma Center. This designation from the American Trauma Society recognizes our ability to deliver the highest level of care. We can handle the most complex, life-threatening orthopedic traumas any time, day or night. Find out more about emergency care.

Highlights of our program include:

  • Expertise: Orthopedic surgeons with advanced training in trauma surgery use the latest techniques to give you the best chances for healing. Our team treats more than 13,000 patients yearly, making us one of the busiest trauma centers in the region. And we maintain low complication rates, which can help you recover faster.

  • Team mindset: Trauma surgeons work with additional experts as needed to personalize your care. Care may involve radiologists, anesthesiologists, general surgeons and plastic surgeons. Other specialists are available on short notice.

  • Connected care: We coordinate the services you need at every stage of your treatment journey. After surgery, specially trained nurses collaborate with trauma surgeons to keep a careful watch over your recovery. And highly skilled therapists guide you through rehabilitation, so you can safely return to your daily routine.

  • Comprehensive services: Even with the best care, recovery doesn’t always go as expected. Trauma surgeons excel in treating fractures that don’t heal (nonunion) or don’t heal in the correct position (malunion). We perform repair procedures to fix these issues, helping you avoid complications.

Orthopedic trauma conditions

Orthopedic trauma affects the bones, joints, muscles and connective tissue. Some conditions can be life-threatening or bring changes to your abilities. Receiving care from highly skilled trauma surgeons like ours gives you the best chances for healing.

  • Bone fractures
    Fractures are broken bones. There are many types, like stress fractures, which are small. Open fractures can break the bone in two, causing it to poke through the skin's surface.
  • Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
    Bone infections are potentially serious concerns requiring immediate care. They're treatable with antibiotics, lowering your risk of complications.
  • Joint dislocation
    One or more bones that make up a joint slip out of their natural position. For example, the upper leg bone may fall out of the hip socket.
  • Joint fractures
    These are fractures in bones that are part of a joint, like an elbow. They put you at risk for complications like infection, necrosis and arthritis.
  • Spinal cord injuries
    Damage to your spinal cord prevents nerves below the point of injury from communicating with your brain.
  • Tendon and ligament tears
    The bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone (tendons) and stabilize joints (ligaments) partially or completely tear.
  • Traumatic amputation
    This injury partially or completely severs a limb (arm or leg) or digits (fingers or toes).
Related conditions

Bone fractures

Spinal cord injuries

Tendon ligament tears

Treating orthopedic trauma and injuries

Trauma surgeons work quickly with the emergency department and other specialists to determine the care you need. You can count on us for appropriate care right when you need it.

Types of trauma surgery we offer include:

Amputation repair
Surgeons reattach severed limbs. It may involve orthopedic hardware to secure bones in place and microvascular techniques to reconnect blood vessels.
Bone nonunion repair
Surgery may involve removing diseased tissue and bone grafts to stimulate the growth necessary for a healthy bone union.
Brachial plexus repair
Hand and Wrist, Hip and Knee
Corrective osteotomy for malunion
When bones don't heal in the correct position, surgeons use small cuts and bone grafts to restore proper alignment.
Fixation for bone fractures
Surgeons implant plates, screws or pins to stabilize broken bones.
Knee ligament reconstruction
We replace torn or damaged knee ligaments with healthy tissue from elsewhere in your body. Sometimes donor tissue is used.
Reconstructive surgery
Reconstructing limbs and joints after severe injuries, including skin grafts, bone grafts and an artificial joint, if necessary.
Orthopedic trauma recovery and rehabilitation services

After surgery, we continue caring for you. Our team anticipates your needs and coordinates the services that keep your recovery moving forward.

Orthopedic trauma recovery and rehabilitation may include:

  • Critical care: Nurses with special training work with trauma surgeons and other specialists to provide around-the-clock monitoring for our sickest patients.

  • Pain management: Our team is attentive to your needs, helping you stay as comfortable as possible after trauma surgery. We adjust pain management regimens to meet your changing needs.

  • Inpatient rehabilitation: We help you get moving again as soon as it is safe to do so. Therapists teach you how to get out of bed, perform self-care activities and other tasks.

  • Discharge planning: As your recovery progresses, we help you prepare for discharge. We explain what to expect and help you make follow-up appointments.

Locations

Schedule your appointment

Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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