Salem Health is a large health system with a lot of moving parts. That’s why it is especially important for teams to work together when caring for patients who have complex health needs.

Timely care for trauma injuries depends on close coordination between the emergency department and the orthopedic trauma team. This partnership ensures patients receive the right care, at the right time, with the right level of support.

“Orthopedic trauma surgeons specialize in the care of fractures of the upper and lower extremities and the pelvis,” said Sudeep Taksali, MD, Medical Director of Salem Health Orthopedics and Orthopedic Trauma. “By the time we see many patients, our emergency medicine colleagues have already initiated excellent care — stabilizing the injury, controlling pain, and preparing them for what comes next.”

Collaboration before surgery

For some patients with fractures — such as those involving the wrist or ankle — initial treatment begins in the emergency department, where the team applies a splint and coordinates follow-up with orthopedic surgeons. These injuries often require further evaluation once swelling subsides, and in some cases, surgery may be scheduled. However, not every fracture needs an operation.

“Sometimes our emergency medicine colleagues do such a nice job realigning a fracture that surgery isn’t needed,” said Dr. Taksali.

This close coordination between teams ensures that patients move efficiently from emergency care to specialized follow-up.

“We work closely with our emergency colleagues to ensure that transitions are smooth, and patients are seen quickly in our clinic,” Dr. Taksali said. “That coordination helps us plan surgeries appropriately and avoid unnecessary delays.”

Care at Salem Hospital

When injuries are more complex — such as hip fractures or those that affect a patient’s ability to safely function at home — patients are admitted to the hospital. In these situations, the emergency department initiates important diagnostics and medical workups, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), lab tests and imaging.

“In addition to assessing the injury itself, emergency medicine providers also recognize when social factors might prevent a safe discharge,” Dr. Taksali said. “They communicate that to us which helps ensure that patients have the support they need to recover successfully.”

The access services team (the department that admits patients to the hospital) then coordinates with Salem Health Orthopedics to determine how they can get surgery as quickly and safely as possible.

“They’re very skilled at evaluating a patient’s social situation,” Dr. Taksali said. “They have patients who have different health literacies and social supports. They’re often the best advocates for the patients to make sure they get the care that matches their medical condition and their support system.”

For more severe cases such as open fractures — where bone breaks through the skin — the emergency department provides critical early interventions, including antibiotics, wound care and sedation for stabilization procedures.

“The ED team plays a vital role in those early moments,” Dr. Taksali said. “Not only do they provide comfort and reassurance to our patients, but they also help us understand the severity of the injury and create the conditions we need to deliver timely and effective surgical care.”

While providing a full spectrum of care, the relationship between emergency medicine and orthopedic trauma at Salem Health is built on communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to patient-centered care.

“We are fortunate to work alongside such skilled colleagues in the emergency department,” said Dr. Taksali. “Their partnership is essential to how we care for our community.”

Orthopedic care

Do you need orthopedic care after visiting the emergency department? Learn more about:

-          Our providers

-          Our services

-          How to receive care at Salem Health