Trauma & Fracture Care | AdventHealth Orthopedic Institute
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Care for Orthopedic Trauma & Fractures

A sudden injury can leave you discouraged, concerned and in pain. But rest assured our orthopedic experts will create the personalized treatment plan you need to recover and get back to the life you love.

World-Class Expertise & Compassion

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Leaders Moving Orthopedic Care Forward

Pioneering is in our DNA. It’s why we were the first team in the state to explore arthroscopic surgeries — and why we’ve performed more orthopedic surgeries than anyone else in Florida.

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A Collaboration Philosophy

To deliver the best standard of care, we take a multidisciplinary approach backed by specialized orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and other experts.

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Recognized for Our Care

We’re honored to earn your trust. AdventHealth Orthopedic Institute is recognized by U.S. News & World Report for exceptional orthopedic care.

Specialists Who Support You

J. Dean Cole, MD

Medical Director

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Brian K. Vickaryous, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

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Michael A. Hawks, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

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Robert J. Meuret, MD, MPT

Orthopedic Surgeon

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Find Relief with Personalized Treatment

Conditions We Treat

The AdventHealth Orthopedic Institute Fracture Care Center (FCC) has access to state-of-the-art technology and medical specialties from imaging and surgery to rehabilitation and wellness. Within our network, experienced trauma specialists have the knowledge and skills needed to care for rare and complex fractures and conditions, including:

Ankle and Foot Fractures

Some ankle fractures may only need to be treated by applying a tightly wrapped bandage, staying off the damaged foot, and letting the healing process begin. But other foot fracture treatment programs may be necessary for more complex and painful injuries. These fractures may also mask problems related to systemic disorders and abnormalities in lower extremity joints.

Here, fractures are quickly diagnosed and treated with minimally invasive methods by our surgeons and the Fracture Care Center team. The FCC also treats other ankle- and foot-related injuries and conditions, including:

  • Foot fractures or dislocations
  • Arthritis in the foot or ankle
  • Diabetes-related deformities
  • Foot deformities, including flat feet

Arm and Elbow Fractures

Among the more common arm and elbow injuries are fractures, dislocations, arthritis, and tendonitis; infections can also (rarely) develop. At the FCC, our surgeons can expertly diagnose and treat these problems, incorporating a minimally invasive approach to surgery. This ensures your recovery period is quicker, with dramatically fewer complications and setbacks.

Hand and Finger Fractures

To help you get back to your normal routine faster, we use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible, leading to shorter recovery times and less scarring. If surgery is needed to heal your hand or finger fracture, we often use closed reduction and fixation to realign and set broken bones and reduce the likelihood of deformity.

Hip Fractures and Pelvis Injuries

Acetabular fractures (hip fractures) occur in the area where the pelvis meets the head of the femur, known as the “hip socket.” The acetabulum is actually the “socket” in the “ball-and-socket hip joint.” Although not very common, these complex fractures are usually caused by direct trauma (high falls, auto accidents) to the pelvis and/or femur.

Our orthopedic surgeons treat these fractures with minimally invasive techniques to decrease your pain and improve your recovery time.

Your team will work closely with you to build your personalized treatment plan. From compassionate emotional support to expert physical therapy to restore mobility and build strength, we’re here to guide your whole-person wellness at every turn.

Leg Fractures

If surgery is necessary to heal your fracture, know that you’re in good hands. To help you recover faster and with less scarring, we use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. You’ll find the support you need from day one, from prehabilitation before your procedure to help you ease any limp, to physical therapy for long-term wellness after you return home. We’ll also be here to answer all your questions and ease your mind, because we want to do everything we can to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Limb Lengthening

Historically, limb lengthening procedures required awkward external devices, such as pins and frames. But J. Dean Cole, MD, the FCC’s Medical Director, has been responsible for groundbreaking changes. In 2001, Dr. Cole invented the only FDA-approved, completely internal device to lengthen limbs. The Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor (ISKD) is now the preferred procedure for limb lengthening worldwide.

As the ISKD device works completely internally, with no external fixation pins or wires, potential infection and scarring risks are dramatically reduced when compared with the external device traditionally used. This procedure jumpstarts the volume of the surrounding soft tissue, and boosts both stability and alignment.

Limb Salvage and Amputations

We’re proud to have made great progress in improving the limb salvage procedure for debilitating musculoskeletal conditions. This advanced surgery can be a life-changing alternative to amputation, helping save your limb and boost your quality of life. Using minimally invasive procedures, our surgeons will remove diseased tissue or bone and replace it with a prosthesis, graft or transplant. Limb salvage preserves as much of your tissue as possible, allowing you to resume life with greater functionality and peace of mind.

To support your emotional well-being throughout this journey, your multidisciplinary care team can include psychologists, rehabilitation specialists, social workers and other compassionate and dedicated experts.

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Surgical Procedures

You’re ready to live your life with more movement and less pain. When surgery is the right option for you, your compassionate care team is here to guide you. To help you get back to your normal routine faster, we use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible, leading to shorter recovery times and less scarring. Within our network, we offer a wide variety of leading-edge procedures.


These services include limb lengthening, limb salvage, fibula intramedullary nail for ankle fractures, bone infection treatment, heel and hip fracture, total joint replacement, nonunion and malunion, and general orthopaedic care and treatment.

Rehabilitation

When you’re on the path to wellness, know that you have a team by your side. You’ll never be alone as you recover from your condition or surgery. Our comprehensive rehabilitation program is built around you, helping you achieve your health goals and feel whole again.

Your team of physicians, physical therapists, sports medicine specialists and other experts is always here to support your whole-person wellness. From physical therapy, massage and fitness programs designed to promote healing, we want to help you embrace a full and active lifestyle.

Learn more about our rehabilitation program.

A Whole Team Dedicated to Advanced Fracture Care

Emergencies can happen to anyone. And if a sudden accident or injury leads to a serious bone fracture, it’s important to know that there is a whole team of orthopedic specialists ready to offer complex, comprehensive fracture care for trauma-related injuries at the AdventHealth Orthopedic Institute. With a unique approach to advanced fracture care, you’ll have the full attention of medical experts from nearly every medical discipline working together to help restore your whole health. 

The fracture care team, including hand-selected physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, surgical teams and therapists, is led by esteemed orthopedic surgeons Dr. J. Dean Cole, Dr. Brian K. Vickaryous, Dr. Michael K. Hawks and Dr. Robert Meuret. Driven to provide the best possible care and communication, our surgeons see their patients twice a day to assess and support their healing. Our fracture care team is committed to personalizing a safe and compassionate path to recovery that heals body, mind and spirit. 

Dr. Cole

Medical Director J. Dean Cole, MD

J. Dean Cole, MD, the Medical Director at AdventHealth Orthopedic Institute Fracture Care Center (FCC), has the experience and skill to address your condition. Dr. Cole is a pioneer within the field of orthopaedic traumatology, holding the patent to more than a dozen surgical devices, including the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor (ISKD). This device is the leading treatment option for limb lengthening at the FCC — in fact, it’s proven so effective that it is now the preferred procedure for limb lengthening worldwide.

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Our Locations. Your Options.

As interconnected pieces of one of the most comprehensive orthopedic care networks in Florida, every one of our Central Florida locations contributes to the strength of the AdventHealth Orthopedic Institute. Our dedicated team will help you explore your options and find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.

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