What is orthopaedic trauma?
Orthopaedic trauma relates to an injury involving the bones or soft tissue, that is traumatic and unplanned. It might be the result of a road traffic accident, a fall, a physical attack or a work place accident for example.
Recovery from an orthopaedic trauma can take time and is likely to require a period of rehabilitation to get as close to the previous levels of independence as possible.
What are the common difficulties associated with orthopaedic trauma?
The nature and consequence of the orthopaedic trauma are considerations in the resulting difficulties that are likely to be experienced. Examples of such difficulties include:
- Difficulty ascending and descending the stairs
- Trouble being able to make meals and drinks
- Challenges with mobility around the home
- Trouble accessing the bath or shower
- Challenges with work and relationship roles
- Difficulty driving
- Challenges with access to and from the home
- Difficulty dressing
- Challenges with completing hobbies and interests
If you would like to learn more about how we as occupational therapists can help people overcome common difficulties associated with orthopaedic trauma, you will find some useful links at the bottom of this page.
How can an occupational therapist help with the challenges of orthopaedic trauma?
Occupational therapists work with clients following orthopaedic trauma, supporting them to be as independent as possible by providing solutions, where possible, to daily challenges. Examples of how an occupational therapist can help include:
- Permanent or temporary home adaptations such as ramps, lifts, wet rooms or kitchen alterations
- Seating and wheelchair advice
- Teaching new techniques to complete daily activities such as dressing
- Vocational support to look at getting someone back to, or looking for new, work opportunities
- Facilitating access to leisure activities such as new sports or hobbies
- Advising on wheelchair accessible vehicles and, if possible, support in returning to driving
- Tailored rehabilitation programmes to address personal goals
