Orthopedic trauma refers to sudden injuries to the bones, joints, or soft tissues — often caused by falls, accidents, or high-impact events. These injuries can be painful, frightening, and disruptive to your life.
Surgical and non-surgical options at LAOSS.
Orthopedic trauma care covers sudden, high-impact injuries to bones, joints, and soft tissues — fractures, dislocations, complex breaks, open injuries, and the multi-system injuries that come from falls, motor-vehicle accidents, or sports collisions.
At LAOSS, our trauma team is board-certified and fellowship-trained in orthopedic trauma. We see acute injuries the same day at our East LA office, with on-site X-ray, immediate stabilization (casting, splinting, bracing), and a clear surgical-or-not decision before you leave your first visit. When surgery is needed, your LAOSS trauma surgeon performs it at a partner hospital and follows you through recovery.
This is a break of the upper part of your femur. The femur is the long bone in your upper leg. At the top of the femur is the "head." This is the ball that fits into your hip socket. A hip fracture may happen at the "neck" of the femur (the thin portion of bone under the head). Fractures may also happen below the neck.
Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Preventing orthopedic trauma isn’t just about avoiding accidents; it’s about building lifelong habits that support strong bones, steady movement, and everyday safety. Our team at Los Angeles Orthopedic Surgery Specialists believes in empowering you with clear, practical guidance to protect yourself and reduce the risk of injury.
Here are five simple strategies you can start using today:
These preventative steps not only support your mobility and independence but may also reduce the need for future orthopedic trauma care. At LAOSS, we’re here to support you in staying healthy, strong, and safe every step of the way.
If you’re unsure whether your condition needs orthopedic attention, here’s a simple guide to help you decide. Prompt evaluation can prevent long-term complications and get you on the road to recovery sooner.
Seek an orthopedic trauma evaluation if you experience:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Most patients do not need a referral to see an orthopedic trauma specialist, unless required by your insurance plan. If you’re unsure, our staff will gladly help you navigate the process and get the right paperwork in place.
Note: If you have a life-threatening injury, open fracture, or are in severe distress, go directly to the nearest emergency room.
When you come to LAOSS after a traumatic injury, we understand you may be anxious, in pain, or unsure about your next steps. Our goal is to provide fast answers, effective treatment, and a clear path forward, all with compassionate care and clear communication.
Many patients ask: “Will I need surgery, or can my injury be treated non-surgically?”
Every injury is different, but we always begin with a conservative-first approach. Most fractures and soft-tissue injuries don’t require surgery and can heal successfully with careful, non-invasive treatment.
Here’s what’s involved in non-surgical treatment, and how we determine if you might need surgery:
We use on-site digital imaging during your visit to assess your injury right away. Every decision is made with your long-term recovery in mind, and if surgery is needed, our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma team leads your care with deep expertise and precision.
Here’s what your trauma visit will look like at LAOSS from check-in to next steps: With a supportive staff and a consistent care team that stays with you throughout recovery, we are committed to making trauma care as smooth, clear, and comfortable as possible.
At LAOSS, your trauma care is led by board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons who handle complex fractures and acute musculoskeletal injuries every day. That includes multi-trauma fractures, open fractures, pelvic and acetabular injuries, intra-articular fractures, and revision of failed prior fixation.
Our trauma team operates across all eight Los Angeles–area LAOSS offices. You can be seen the same day for an acute injury — most patients leave their first visit with an imaging-confirmed diagnosis and a clear plan for stabilization, surgical fixation if indicated, and recovery.
Decades of combined surgical experience, in-house imaging, and direct coordination with hospital trauma services when emergency intervention is required.
When you’re dealing with a fracture, dislocation, or other orthopedic injury, you deserve care that’s fast, focused, and personal. Our trauma team at Los Angeles Orthopedic Surgery Specialists combines fellowship-trained expertise with an individualized approach to help you heal safely without unnecessary delays or procedures.
With several locations across Greater Los Angeles for trauma care, we offer the convenience and responsiveness you won’t find in larger hospital systems. Most non-emergency trauma patients can be seen the same day or within 24 to 48 hours, and our integrated care model ensures continuity from your first visit through rehabilitation.
Whether you’re seeing us following an emergency hospital visit or needing timely care following an accident, our team is here to guide your recovery with clarity, compassion, and expertise.
Insurance We Accept
Orthopedic Trauma care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you actually feel six months later.
Our orthopedic trauma specialists move stepwise — start with the least-invasive option that fits your situation, escalate only when it doesn't.
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a orthopedic trauma specialist is the next step.
These signs typically point toward an in-person evaluation with a orthopedic trauma specialist.
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
Recovery is rarely a straight line — but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the orthopedic trauma, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the orthopedic trauma.
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there — and catching any recurrence early.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient — informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the orthopedic trauma. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
Dr. Pelton is the best. He listens, takes his time, and actually explains things in a way I can understand. Highly recommend.
Book a visit with a orthopedic trauma specialist at any of our eight Los Angeles–area offices.
