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Emergency Room Vs. Urgent Orthopaedic Care

Injuries are not scheduled and tend to occur when you least expect them. When you or your loved one suffers an injury, you want the best care available as soon as possible. In some cases, that means a trip to the emergency room. Other times, however, you can avoid a long wait and get an assessment and care from a specialist if you visit a musculoskeletal urgent care clinic.

When you need immediate attention for most acute bone, joint, and muscle injuries, like a fracture or a shoulder injury, our urgent care service will offer you the care you need—fast. 

In the case of life-threatening injuries and other emergencies, such as open fractures, cuts with bleeding that won’t stop, burns, or head injuries, you will need to visit an emergency room immediately or call 911.

For a better idea of which service is necessary, refer to the listing below.

Injury/Condition Urgent Orthopaedic Care ER
New bone/joint/muscle injury    
Joint sprain or muscle strain    
Possible fracture    
Swollen joint    
Sports injury    
Possible dislocation    
Chronic back or joint pain Make an appointment  
Work injury Consult your supervisor  
Animal bite    
Burn    
Cuts and other wounds    
Fracture with bone protrusion    

For more information on our Urgent Orthopaedic Care services at Orthopaedic Specialists, call (563) 344-9292. If you are currently seeking initial or follow-up care for a sports-related injury, request an appointment online with one of our sports medicine specialists.