Athletic older woman exercising outdoors.
A Personalized Approach to Bone Fracture Repair
Older man on skateboard.

Bone Fracture and Trauma Surgery from Dr. Alex Sweet

Bone fractures are significant injuries that can severely impact an individual's quality of life, leading to pain, immobility, and long-term complications if not properly treated. Whether caused by a fall, accident, or sports injury, fractures can range from minor hairline cracks to complete breaks that require surgical intervention. In many cases, especially with complex or displaced fractures, surgery is necessary to restore proper alignment, stabilize the bone, and promote healing.

Dr. Alex Sweet is an extensively trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in providing bone fracture surgery for the hip, knee, wrist, ankle, elbow, and other joints. By using minimally invasive techniques and the latest surgical advancements, Dr. Sweet is well-equipped to handle even the most complex fracture cases. Practicing at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic’s locations in Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, he is dedicated to providing patients with personalized care and the best possible outcomes.

Woman with side hip pain

Surgery for Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are among the most serious types of bone fractures, often occurring in older adults due to falls or accidents. These fractures can happen in various parts of the hip, such as the femoral neck, intertrochanteric region, or subtrochanteric area, each requiring a different surgical approach. Without proper treatment, hip fractures can lead to significant complications, including immobility, deep vein thrombosis, and long-term disability.

Dr. Sweet offers advanced surgical options for treating hip fractures, including the use of intramedullary rods, screws, and plates to stabilize the broken bones. For displaced femoral neck fractures, total hip replacement may be recommended to restore function and reduce pain. Dr. Sweet's expertise in minimally invasive hip replacement techniques, including the anterior approach to total hip replacement, allows for quicker recovery times and improved outcomes for his patients.

Download PDF

Woman with knee pain

Surgery for Knee Fractures

Knee fractures can involve the femur, tibia, or patella and are often the result of high-impact trauma such as falls or car accidents. These fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the leg, and if left untreated, may lead to chronic knee instability or arthritis. Depending on the severity of the knee fracture, treatment may involve non-surgical methods like casting or bracing, or surgical interventions.

Dr. Sweet specializes in knee trauma surgery, offering a variety of procedures to stabilize the bone. If necessary, he can also provide minimally invasive total knee replacement or partial knee replacement to help alleviate pain and regain mobility while decreasing the risk of surgical complications.

Download PDF

Man with ankle pain

Surgery for Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint break, often due to twisting injuries, falls, or direct trauma. These fractures can vary from simple breaks that can be treated with a boot or cast to complex fractures that require surgical intervention. If not properly addressed, ankle fractures can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and difficulty walking.

At Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr. Sweet performs ankle fracture surgery using advanced techniques to restore stability to the joint. This may involve the placement of plates and screws to secure the bones and allow them to heal in the correct position. After surgery, Dr. Sweet emphasizes the importance of physical therapy to regain ankle function and prevent long-term complications.

Download PDF

Person with wrist pain

Surgery for Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures typically involve the radius and ulna, the two main bones of the forearm that connect at the wrist joint. These fractures are common in falls where an individual attempts to break their fall with an outstretched hand. Wrist fractures can significantly impair hand and wrist function, leading to stiffness, deformity, and decreased range of motion if not treated appropriately.

Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, surgical options may include the use of plates and screws to stabilize the broken bones and facilitate proper healing. Following surgery, patients may require a removable brace and a tailored physical therapy regimen to restore wrist strength and flexibility.

Download PDF

Main with elbow pain

Surgery for Elbow Fractures

Elbow fractures can occur in the olecranon (the bony tip of the elbow), the radial head, or the distal humerus, and are typically caused by falls, sports injuries, or direct blows to the elbow. These fractures can severely limit arm movement and function, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Without proper treatment, elbow fractures can lead to stiffness, deformity, and chronic pain.

The type and severity of the fracture will dictate the surgery required. However, elbow fracture surgery may involve the use of plates and screws to align and stabilize the joint. In some cases, elbow surgery will require reconstruction with prosthetic components to ensure proper healing.

Download PDF

Patient Testimonials

See what patients throughout Kentuckiana are saying about Dr. Alex Sweet.

"I have had hip replacement surgery. Dr. Sweet II was my surgeon, he was wonderful!! I opted to stay overnight and Dr. Sweet was in to see me before the sun was up to see how I was feeling. The recovery was very fast! I had my last follow up last week and I remain extremely happy with all experiences with this practice!!! I highly recommend!! Please don't wait as I did for almost 2 years to get the procedure done!"

Mary C.

Tampa, FL

"I was treated in the ER, on a Monday, for a patellar fracture. On Wednesday, the same week, I had an appt at Dr. Sweet II office. The next day he did surgery. I was very impressed and will recommend him to other people."

Amanda Y.

Tampa, FL

"Dr. Sweet II, Dr Compton, Katie and their staff are kind, caring and supportive. They have treated me with nothing less than the best care. They have helped me find myself again after suddenly losing my mobility and everything that goes along with it. After my first and second surgery, Dr. Sweet came out and sat with my underage, nervous, daughter and was so kind and caring as he told her that everything went well. He still asks about her during visits and she asks about him after I arrive home. He really made an impression on her and that, to me makes him the best."

Michael S.

Tampa, FL