Dr. A.V.
Gurava Reddy
Every year,
World Trauma Day serves as a crucial global reminder of the significance of
preventing and addressing trauma, particularly stemming from road accidents,
falls, and other high-impact events. As orthopaedic surgeons, we stand on the
frontlines of managing the skeletal and soft tissue injuries resulting from
these incidents. Orthopaedic trauma requires specialized care for fractures,
dislocations, and musculoskeletal injuries, making it a vital focus area on
this day of awareness.
The Global
Burden of Orthopaedic Trauma
Trauma remains a
leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with road traffic accidents
(RTAs) being a major contributor. The World Health Organization reports that
approximately 1.3 million people die annually due to RTAs, while millions more
suffer from severe injuries, many involving fractures and musculoskeletal
damage. Beyond the physical toll, these injuries also impact patients'
psychological, social, and economic well-being.
Orthopaedic
trauma cases, particularly those from RTAs, are complex and require prompt,
specialized intervention. With the rise in urbanization and vehicular use,
traffic accidents have become more frequent and severe, increasing the number
of polytrauma patients. Effective management not only requires immediate
fracture treatment but also consideration of systemic factors such as internal
bleeding and neurovascular compromise.
Leading the
Way in Trauma Care: Sunshine Bone and Joint Institute (SBJI)
The Sunshine
Bone and Joint Institute (SBJI), one of the largest orthopaedic group
practices in India, boasts a team of over 30 consultant surgeons, specializing
in every subspecialty of orthopaedics. SBJI’s Level-1 trauma centre is equipped
to treat complex orthopaedic trauma cases, with internationally trained experts
handling adult and pediatric trauma alike. The institute's multidisciplinary
team, including orthopaedic, thoracic, and vascular surgeons, alongside
critical care specialists, ensures seamless care even in severe cases of
thoracic and abdominal trauma.
Prevention:
The Key to Reducing Trauma
Prevention is
central to reducing the burden of trauma. Road safety initiatives play a
crucial role in minimizing traffic-related injuries, especially in countries
where road safety regulations are lax or infrastructure is underdeveloped. As
an orthopaedic surgeon, I have witnessed the devastating effects of road
accidents firsthand. Key strategies that can help reduce trauma include:
- Strict Enforcement of Traffic
Laws
- Public Awareness Campaigns
- Improved Infrastructure
- Vehicle Safety Measures
- Efficient Emergency Response
Systems
The
Importance of Education and Training
Education is
critical to effective trauma management. Orthopaedic surgeons must be trained
in advanced surgical techniques, simulation-based learning, and collaborative
education. Furthermore, global education initiatives and ongoing research and
innovation are vital to improving outcomes in trauma care.
The Role of
the Orthopaedic Surgeon Beyond Surgery
Orthopaedic
surgeons are not just technicians who fix broken bones—we are educators,
advocates, and collaborators in the fight against trauma. In line with this
mission, I founded the Sarvejana Foundation, a charitable organization
dedicated to providing high-quality orthopaedic care to those who cannot afford
it. Through this platform, we aim to bridge the gap in access to specialized
healthcare, ensuring that economic constraints do not hinder timely and
effective treatment.
One of the
Foundation's key initiatives is S.T.O.P (Society to Prevent Accidents),
representing our commitment to reducing road accidents in India by 5% over the
next decade. Through collaborations with governmental bodies, including the
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Sarvejana will focus on
prevention, road safety awareness, and strategic interventions. Our efforts
align with MoRTH’s 4 E’s framework: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and
Emergency Care.
A
Collaborative Approach to Reducing Road Accidents
The Sarvejana
Foundation aims to work closely with leading institutions across India to
implement sustainable solutions that reduce road traffic injuries and
fatalities. This initiative highlights our dedication to creating safer
environments for all, with a vision to prevent trauma and save lives.
Dr. A.V.
Gurava Reddy MB, D Ortho, DNB Ortho, MCh Ortho
(Liverpool)
FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), FRCS (London)
Chief Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon
Chairman - Sunshine Bone & Joint Institute
MD - KIMS-SUNSHINE Hospitals