Why is it Important to Get Accurate Early Diagnosis in Musculoskeletal Injuries and Who Should You See for This?

Musculoskeletal Injuries
It is important to get specialist orthopaedic care for musculoskeletal injuries to ensure correct treatment is started as soon as possible and an accurate diagnosis is made

Musculoskeletal injuries include fractures, sprains, and strains involving muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons. Early diagnosis is critical in ensuring optimal recovery, reducing complications, and improving long-term patient outcomes. Identifying the exact nature of an injury—whether it involves a fracture, sprain, or strain—allows for the timely application of appropriate treatments, preventing the escalation of more severe conditions.

Fractures, if not diagnosed promptly, may result in improper healing or long-term complications like deformity, mobility issues, or chronic pain. Sprains and strains, although often considered less serious, can also lead to significant dysfunction if left untreated. The delayed recognition of soft tissue injuries may result in persistent instability, weakness, and a prolonged recovery period.

Specialist orthopaedic care is crucial for providing the necessary expertise in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries. Orthopaedic specialists are trained to interpret diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, accurately and apply the best course of treatment based on the specific injury. Depending on the injury’s severity, this might involve anything from immobilisation and rehabilitation to surgical intervention. 

Musculoskeletal Injuries
Access Ortho offers rapid orthopaedic appointments for acute musculoskeletal injuries

Furthermore, early access to orthopaedic care ensures rehabilitation plans are tailored to the individual’s needs, helping them regain strength and function efficiently. This early intervention helps reduce the risk of further injury, promoting a quicker return to daily activities and an improved quality of life.

Where can you get an Urgent Orthopaedic Appointment for a fracture, sprain or ligament injury?

Knowing who you should see following an injury can be very hard. Your GP can provide advice, but they will need to refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for specialist care. This requires a visit to your GP, and then, in most situations, you may need to wait weeks to get an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon, delaying diagnosis and correct treatment. If you attend an Emergency Department or Urgent Care centre, they can do x-rays, provide a general diagnosis, and start initial treatment. However, they cannot offer expert orthopaedic follow-up or advice on your injury.

Access Ortho provides rapid care, expert advice and follow-up appointments for all upper and lower limb orthopaedic injuries. Attending Access Ortho will save having to go to multiple clinics as Access Ortho will assess, treat and provide follow-up care. If you need surgery, this can be arranged with one of the surgeons working with Access Ortho, or a referral to a surgeon of your choice can be made. If you need splints or casts, they can be fitted at your appointment. If you require rehabilitation or specialist hand therapy splints, the team at Access Ortho will arrange this for you.

Access Ortho is an orthopaedic surgeon-led Fracture Clinic. At Access Ortho, you can feel confident that you are receiving specialist care and advice regarding your injury. You do not need a referral to attend Access Ortho, therefore it can be the first stop following an accident. Access Ortho will arrange all required radiology and give you your results rapidly so treatment can begin immediately. Access Ortho is an affordable, simple, one-stop clinic for all orthopaedic musculoskeletal injuries.