Pregnant women and orthopaedic trauma - no danger to foetus with normal treatment

New research recommends normal diagnosis and stabilization for pregnant women.

3 March 2006
MUMBAI, INDIA

New research which has been published in the March 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests that pregnant women who suffer orthopaedic trauma should be diagnosed and stabilized in the same manner as any other patient. According to the paper, techniques used in diagnosis and stabilization, including x-ray examinations of the abdomen, pose little to no risk to a fetus provided proper precautions are taken. The best method to maximize chances for infant safety seem to be a commonsensical one: stabilizing the mother quickly.

This will be good news for expectant mothers since trauma is a leading cause of death among pregnant patients, affecting as many as 8% of pregnant mothers. The research recommended that all fertile women take a pregnancy test if they have been exposed to a physically traumatic event, and if the test is positive, take a fetal assessment once stable, and undergo a pelvic examination.

Kyle R. Flik, MD, lead author of the paper and orthopaedic surgeon at Northeast Orthopaedics, LLP, in Albany, NY, said that the results of the research should ease fears among pregnant women, who have already been traumatized regarding the safety of initial tests.

While standard X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasounds; most computerized tomography (CT) scans and other diagnostic tests used in orthopaedic trauma are considered safe, exposure to the fetus is usually minimized. In addition, even the need for the tests are determined depending on the nature and seriousness of the injury.

Also, because of anatomical and physiological changes in pregnant women, orthopaedic surgeons take additional precautions with pregnant women. Certain drugs are also not recommended for them.

Dr.Flik also pointed out that treatment could be optimized in various ways. He said, "If surgery and other extensive treatment for an orthopaedic injury in
a pregnant patient are required, an experienced multidisciplinary team -- consisting of an orthopaedic surgeon working with an obstetrician, perinatologist, anesthesiologist, radiologist and nursing staff -- will optimize the treatment of both the patient and the fetus."

Orthopaedic surgeons are trained in the diagnosis and nonsurgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) has a 28,000-member circulation and is published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which is an authoritative source of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues.