Orthopaedic trauma care covers the spectrum of simple isolated fractures to severe life threatening accidents with multiple broken bones. While many fractures can be treated very well by general orthopaedic surgeons, some can benefit from fracture specialists. More significant injuries with multiple broken bones, compound fractures and fractures near a joint, and fractures of the pelvis are more difficult to treat, and benefit the most from specialized care. Additionally, problems with healing including nonunions, infections (osteomyelitis) and healing with poor alignment (malunion) are often treated by fracture specialists.

Dr. Walter Virkus is the head of orthopaedic trauma at Rush. Specializing in the treatment of all fractures except the hand and spine, Dr. Virkus utilizes specialized techniques including minimally invasive plating, computer-assisted external fixation, and state-of-the-art bone grafting techniques. Additionally, he often assembles teams of physicians necessary to treat all aspects of the injured patient.

The specialists of the Orthopaedic Trauma group of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush have the unique expertise and training to treat these orthopaedic injuries. Only a few select hospitals in Illinois can match these capabilities. We can typically see patients within 24 hours and/or quickly arrange hospital-to-hospital transfers.