Orthopaedic Traumatology? Orthopaedic Traumatology refers to the orthopaedic care of patients with difficult or complex fractures, non-unions (the failure of a fractured bone to heal normally) and mal-unions (incomplete healing or healing in a bad position). Orthopaedic trauma is a severe injury to part of the musculoskeletal system such as a bone, joint or ligament. Leading causes of orthopaedic trauma include vehicular and industrial accidents, slips, falls or sports injuries.