We are delighted to announce that Dr. Austin Wallace has joined our team as an orthopedic trauma surgeon. Dr. Wallace earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, FL. He further honed his expertise through a fellowship in orthopedic trauma at the University of Florida and American Orthopaedic Trauma International Fellowship in Zurich, Switzerland. His peer-reviewed research work has been publish in the Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery; provided chapters in The Growing Spine: Management of Spinal Disorders in Young Children & Football Injuries: A Clinical Guide to In-Season Management. Dr. Wallace is board-eligible by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and well on his way to receive approval soon. Dr. Wallace is also a member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, AO Trauma Foundation and the American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons.
Orthopedic trauma is a specialized field focusing on injuries to the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, and soft tissues, often resulting from sudden accidents or impacts. These injuries can be categorized into two types:
- Hot Trauma: This refers to acute, immediate injuries caused by events such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. These situations require prompt medical attention to address fractures, dislocations, or severe soft tissue damage.
- Cold Trauma: This term is less commonly used but can describe injuries that develop over time due to repetitive stress or chronic conditions, leading to issues like stress fractures or tendonitis.
Orthopedic trauma surgeons like Dr. Wallace are trained to manage a wide range of injuries, including:
- Complex Fractures: Breaks in bones that involve multiple fragments or occur near joints, requiring intricate surgical repair.
- Dislocations: Injuries where bones are forced out of their normal positions, often necessitating reduction procedures to realign the joints.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons accompanying fractures or dislocations.
- Polytrauma: Cases involving multiple traumatic injuries that may affect different parts of the body, demanding comprehensive and coordinated treatment approaches.
Dr. Wallace’s extensive training and experience equip him to provide exceptional care for patients suffering from these types of injuries. His commitment to patient-centered treatment aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver the highest quality orthopedic care.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Wallace to our practice in Savannah where he will be in rotation at Memorial Health Hospital, St. Joseph Candler Hospital, and Optim Health ASC. Follow-up visits will be conducted at the Savannah Optim Orthopedic clinic. We are confident that his expertise will be a tremendous asset to our patients and the community.