I Have a Fracture: Should I Go to the Ambulatory Surgery Center?

If you think you have a fracture — especially one involving the bones in your spine — it’s critical to act quickly. However, knowing where to seek care can be confusing, because not all injuries require an emergency room visit, and not all fractures get treated the same way.

David A. Wiles, MD, and our team specialize in back pain and fractures in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We have a convenient on-site ambulatory surgery center for fracture care, but it’s not the same as an urgent care clinic or emergency room.

Some spinal fractures develop gradually or require planned intervention, while others are the result of a sudden, traumatic injury. Understanding the differences between the emergency room and an ambulatory surgery center can help you get the correct treatment at the right time.

How our ambulatory surgery center works

Our ambulatory surgery center (ASC) is an outpatient surgery facility designed for scheduled, same-day procedures. It’s a state-of-the-art environment for minimally invasive treatments and surgeries that don’t require overnight hospital stays, offering our patients increased flexibility without the complexities that come with traditional procedures in a hospital setting.

We typically recommend procedures at our surgery center for patients who have already been evaluated and diagnosed with a specific need and are coming in for a planned procedure. The ambulatory surgery center isn’t able to handle emergencies, walk-in injuries, or unstable trauma cases.

When to go to urgent care or the ER for a fracture

Always seek immediate medical attention if you experience a sudden, severe injury like a fall from height or a car accident. Go to urgent care or the ER if you have symptoms like:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Tingling, weakness, or numbness in your arms or legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Visible deformity or inability to move
• Suspected spinal trauma following an accident

Emergency facilities include the imaging, monitoring, and trauma resources needed to stabilize serious injuries, rule out life-threatening complications, and provide immediate care.

Fractures that develop gradually are different

Not all spinal fractures happen suddenly. In particular, spinal compression fractures often develop slowly over time due to osteoporosis, aging, or repetitive stress. These fractures may cause symptoms like:

• Persistent or worsening back pain
• Pain that increases with standing or walking
• Height loss or changes in posture
• Pain after a minor fall or even routine movement

Because these symptoms often progress gradually, you may not realize you have a fracture right away. These cases typically do not require emergency care and are best evaluated by a spine specialist, like Dr. Wiles.

When to book an appointment with Dr. Wiles for fracture care

If you’re experiencing ongoing spine-related pain without a recent traumatic injury, Dr. Wiles and our team have the expertise to pinpoint what’s causing your discomfort — and find a treatment path that fits your needs.

We begin with a thorough physical exam and imaging to diagnose your condition, whether it’s a compression fracture or other non-emergency spinal condition. Then, we determine whether conservative treatment, minimally invasive intervention, or a planned procedure at the ambulatory surgery center is the best option for you.

Choosing where to go after a fracture depends on how the injury happened and how severe your symptoms are. Emergency rooms are essential for sudden, traumatic injuries. Ambulatory surgery centers, on the other hand, are designed for planned treatment after a diagnosis.

If you deal with persistent spine pain, suspect a compression fracture, or were referred for specialized fracture care, Dr. Wiles and our team are here to guide you through the steps safely, efficiently, and with expert attention to your long-term spine health. Schedule your first appointment to start learning more today.