Musculoskeletal trauma includes fractures of the bones, and damage to nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Causes include road traffic collisions, falls, trips, violence and accidents at work or during leisure pursuits. Trauma is a leading cause of death in those aged 1 to 44 year old in the developed world. In addition, for every death, three people suffer permanent disability.
The introduction of systematic approaches to the management of patients sustaining severe injuries has improved survival. Orthopaedic trauma surgeons use surgery and other treatment modalities such as casting to correct the mechanical damage to the musculoskeletal system to facilitate healing. Despite optimal surgical care, some patients continue to experience delayed or non-healing fractures, while others develop chronic pain or arthritis. Important areas of research are to constantly evaluate and refine surgical devices and nonsurgical treatment options to achieve the best outcomes for patients and assess the cost of different treatments.
Research is needed to develop strategies to improve soft tissue healing and to better understand the factors contributing to the development of secondary osteoarthritis and complex pain problems following trauma.