Spring ushers in warmer temperatures and extended daylight hours, so it’s no surprise that it is the season for broken bones. Increased physical activity leads to increased likelihood of bone fractures and breaks.
The football, baseball and soccer fields all see extensive action during this time of year. Inevitably, many young athletes will suffer an injury that requires medical attention. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 3.5 million sports related injuries occur each year in the United States to children younger than age 15, with fractures among the most common. When that occurs, children are often referred to an orthopedic specialist for treatment.
Of course, children are not the only ones to suffer from fractures. The average adult will sustain two fractures over a lifetime, according to a survey by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. About 6.3 million fractures occur each year, with 40 percent at home, inside or outside. Broken bones generate 3.5 million annual visits to the emergency room, and 57 percent of these fractures belong to people 65 plus.
Brad Lawson, M.D., of Advanced Orthopedics, explains, “Bones are more pliable when you are younger and get more brittle as you age. Children often engage in riskier behavior, resulting in falls and similar accidents. This causes more frequent fractures. And when they get into middle and senior high schools, they play sports.”
Dr. Lawson provides hand, foot and ankle care; total joint care; general orthopedics and sports medicine care. He offers non-surgical treatment options such as prescribed medications, physical therapy, injections, splinting, casting and bracing. He can also provide surgical treatment options. The majority of patients he sees on a weekly basis are people who have fractures of the arm, leg, foot, ankle, wrist, elbow, hand, forearm and shoulder.
“Orthopedic surgeons do more than just practice on the elderly and athletes,” said Dr. Lawson. “People need orthopedic doctors for a wide variety of ailments. We treat bones, joints, nerves, tendons, and even the skin.”
If surgery is needed, Dr. Lawson is available at Bailey Medical Center (Owasso), Hillcrest Hospital South (91st and Hwy. 169), St. Francis Hospital South (91st and Hwy. 169), and Oklahoma Surgical Hospital (81st and Lewis).
Dr. Lawson has provided service and sports medicine care in the Owasso, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Claremore and Collinsville areas for the last several years. The doctor began his career in the U.S. Air Force, serving both as a general medical officer and as an orthopedic surgeon for 16 years. He lives in Owasso with his wife, Julie, and their four children.
