Orthopaedics
Occupational Orthopaedic Conditions
Our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is ranked among the nation’s top hospitals for treating bone, muscle and joint injuries, including work-related orthopaedic conditions.
Medically reviewed on March 26, 2024.
What Are Occupational Orthopaedic Injuries and Conditions?
Occupational orthopaedic injuries and conditions are any musculoskeletal injuries or conditions that occur due to your work activities. They can happen because of accidents or develop over time. Examples include back injuries, fractures from falls and repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
UC Davis Health orthopaedic specialists provide top-rated care for work-related orthopaedic injuries and conditions. We work closely with researchers to bring the latest therapies to your treatment plan.
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Symptoms of Occupational Orthopaedic Injuries
Your symptoms depend on the type of condition or injury you have and how severe it is.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms could include:
- Bone breaks or fractures
- Pain or tenderness
- Stiffness
- Swelling
Emergency Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away:
- Numbness or loss of feeling
- Severe pain or swelling
- Sudden difficulty walking or moving
Causes of Occupational Orthopaedic Conditions
Work-related bone fractures and sprains are common occupational orthopaedic injuries. Work activities can also cause other problems with your bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons.
Accidents and Collisions
Vehicle crashes and machinery accidents on the job cause many occupational orthopaedic injuries.
Ergonomics
Poor ergonomics, or positions that strain your body, can lead to orthopaedic injuries and conditions.
Falls
Slips and falls are common causes of injuries.
Posture
Poor posture while doing job activities puts strain on your body.
Repetitive Movements
Doing the same movements over and over can cause wear and tear (overuse) injuries.
Strenuous Activities
Lifting heavy objects or doing other strenuous activities at work can lead to orthopaedic injuries and conditions.
Diagnosing Work-related Orthopaedic Conditions
We use leading-edge techniques and equipment to diagnose occupational orthopaedic conditions. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Lab tests, like a blood test to look for signs of inflammation or other problems
- CT scan, an imaging test that helps your provider see problems with your bones and other tissues
- MRI, a type of scan that provides detailed images of injured areas
- Ultrasound, a scan that uses sound waves to create images of structures inside your body
- X-ray, an imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to show fractures or other problems with your bones and joints
Treatments for Occupational Orthopaedic Conditions at UC Davis Health
UC Davis Health Department of Orthopaedic Surgery specialists use the latest procedures and therapies to treat all types of work-related orthopaedic conditions. We offer inpatient and outpatient services all in one facility.
Your treatment depends on what type of condition or injury you have, which part of your body is affected and how severe it is. You may need more than one type of treatment.
Medications
You may need drugs to help with inflammation and pain. These medications may be in the form of pills, shots or topical treatments that go on your skin.
Supportive Devices
Devices, such as back or wrist braces, provide support and may reduce pain.
Occupational or Physical Therapy
Physical therapy exercises and stretches can help reduce pain and strengthen weak muscles to prevent further injury. Occupational therapy helps improve your ability to do daily life and work activities. If you had a bad accident or need surgery, physical or occupational therapy is part of your recovery.
Surgery
Some injuries and conditions require surgery to make repairs or remove damaged tissue. Our orthopaedic surgeons use the latest techniques for all types of orthopaedic conditions. We also offer minimally invasive surgery for some orthopaedic conditions.
Preventing Work-related Orthopaedic Injuries
Using proper equipment, posture and safety measures can prevent some orthopaedic injuries and conditions. Be sure to follow the proper safety protocols at your work.
In 2020
1.8MWorkers went to the ER for work-related injuries
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Traumatic Occupational Injuries Fast Facts
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Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, obstetrics & gynecology, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best children’s hospital in diabetes & endocrinology, nephrology, and orthopedics*. (*Together with Shriners Children’s)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, ovarian cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, uterine cancer surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, and orthopedics.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
“Most Wired” for acute care
UC Davis Health has been recognized as a level 10 out of 10 in the Digital Health “Most Wired” program from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). The honor recognizes excellence in using technology to improve the delivery of care.
“Most Wired” for ambulatory care
UC Davis Health has been recognized as a level 10 out of 10 in the Digital Health “Most Wired” program from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). The honor recognizes excellence in using technology to improve the delivery of care.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 11th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality.”
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