What We Offer You for Acute Injury Care
- Specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating acute orthopaedic injuries, including sprains, strains, tendon and ligament tears, and fractures affecting the arm, hand, knee, ankle, and foot. Go to Conditions Treated
- Rapid diagnosis, effective treatments, and seamless referrals to orthopaedic surgeons and other specialists if you need more advanced care. Go to Treatments
- Team-based approach from skilled advanced practice providers (APPs) who coordinate your care with Stanford Health Care physicians as needed.
- Comprehensive support services, including convenient referrals to follow-up services like physical and occupational therapy.
- Easy access to high-quality orthopaedic care, with same-day and next-day appointments, on-site X-rays, and, if appropriate, fast-track surgery scheduling. Go to Connecting to Care
At the Acute Injury Program, we diagnose and treat a range of orthopaedic injuries that affect the arms, hands, knees, ankles, and feet. Our team cares for people age 14 and up who have had a non-life-threatening injury occur within the last 48 hours. Our expertise includes:
- Acute joint pain
- Achilles tendon tear
- Crushed fingers and toes
- Elbow ligament injuries, including ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury
- Knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear, meniscus tear, and knee ligament injuries
- Muscle tears, such as biceps, quadriceps, or hamstrings
What We Can’t Treat
We are unable to treat patients age 13 and younger and people with certain injuries or conditions, including:
- Chronic orthopaedic conditions, such as arthritis or bursitis
- Back or neck injury
- Open fractures or laceration (cut)
If you have a back or neck injury, open fracture, or laceration, we advise you to go to the nearest urgent care center or emergency room.
To request an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist for a non-urgent concern
When you come to us, you’ll see one of our highly trained advanced practice providers (APPs). APPs are physician assistants and nurse practitioners who see patients independently. They can give you a thorough exam, diagnose injuries, write prescriptions, and deliver treatments. Our APPs specialize in orthopaedic care and trauma-related injuries.
After reviewing your medical history and asking about your symptoms, your APP will perform a physical evaluation. To check for a fracture, your APP may order an X-ray, an imaging study that takes pictures of your bones and tissues in the injured area. If necessary, you also have access to advanced diagnostics in the building.
Your APP may recommend:
- Immobilization: A cast or splint can stabilize the injured area, allowing it to heal. Depending on the injury, you may need to wear a cast, splint, or brace for several days, weeks, or months.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications relieve pain and decrease swelling.
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method: Your APP may recommend applying an ice pack several times a day. You may also need to wrap the injured area in a bandage (compression) or elevate it to reduce swelling.
Your APP will coordinate additional treatments with your doctor and communicate with them regarding follow-up care. Should you need physical therapy or care from a specialist, your APP will guide you through the process. If you need surgery, our team will refer you to a skilled orthopaedic surgeon, many of whom work in the same building. We are committed to delivering excellent, seamless care.
We strive to make access to care as simple as possible. User-friendly virtual health tools and video appointments help you stay connected with your care team from home. We accept most insurance plans and offer translation services. We make it easy for you to get the care you deserve. Our team guides you through each step, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Patient Referral
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Phone: 1-866-742-4811
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referring Physicians.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form. Fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.
To receive expedited care for an injury that occurred within the last 48 hours, please self-schedule online for an appointment within 48 business hours with an orthopaedic specialist or call 650-723-5643.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
