What is Complex & Neglected Trauma?
Complex and neglected trauma refers to severe injuries of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and nerves that have not healed properly because of delayed treatment, incorrect surgery, repeated infections, or lack of proper medical care. These injuries usually result from road accidents, falls from height, industrial injuries, or previous failed orthopaedic procedures.
Over time, such trauma leads to bone deformity, joint damage, muscle shortening, nerve dysfunction, and permanent loss of movement if not treated by a specialist.
Key Characteristics of Complex & Neglected Trauma
• Non-union of fractures – the broken bone fails to heal even after many months
• Malunion of fractures – the bone heals in the wrong position causing bending, rotation, or shortening
• Bone defects or gaps due to severe injury or removal of infected bone
• Chronic bone and soft tissue infection (osteomyelitis)
• Joint stiffness and joint contractures due to prolonged immobility
• Post-traumatic arthritis caused by damaged joint surfaces
• Limb length discrepancy leading to imbalance while walking
• Muscle wasting and weakness due to long-term disuse
• Ligament and tendon damage causing joint instability
• Poor blood supply to the injured area, delaying healing
• Nerve damage leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of muscle control
Complex & Neglected Trauma Symptoms
Patients with complex and neglected trauma commonly experience:
• Persistent or increasing pain
• Difficulty in walking, standing, or using the affected limb
• Abnormal shape or bending of the limb
• Recurrent swelling, redness, or wound discharge
• Stiffness and reduced joint movement
• Weakness and loss of strength
• Instability while walking
• Fever or fatigue in cases of infectionTypes of Knee Replacement Surgery
Impact of Complex & Neglected Trauma on Patient Body
This condition has a serious impact on the entire body. Long-standing trauma leads to muscle shrinkage, joint degeneration, poor posture, and imbalance of the body. Patients may develop chronic pain, difficulty in daily activities, reduced endurance, and loss of independence.
If left untreated, it can cause permanent disability, emotional stress, depression, and reduced quality of life.
How to Overcome Complex & Neglected Trauma
Successful treatment requires advanced and specialised orthopaedic care. This may include:
• Corrective surgery to realign bones
• Bone grafting or bone reconstruction
• Removal of infected tissue and implants
• Modern fixation using plates, rods, or external fixators
• Joint reconstruction or joint replacement if required
After surgery, structured physiotherapy and long-term rehabilitation are essential to restore strength, flexibility, and normal movement. With expert treatment, even long-standing and complicated injuries can be corrected, stabilised, and made functional again.