Dr. David Gazzaniga Speaks With Acute Injuries You Don’t Want to Miss at the HOAG Urgent Care Centers

Posted on: August 24th, 2026 by Our Team

Newport Beach sports medicine surgeon Dr. David Gazzaniga recently spoke with clinicians at Hoag Urgent Care centers about acute orthopedic injuries that require careful assessment and timely treatment.

The presentation focused on injuries whose seriousness may not always be immediately apparent. Although many sprains, strains and minor fractures can be treated effectively through routine urgent care, certain symptoms may signal damage to bones, joints, nerves or blood vessels that warrants emergency evaluation or prompt referral to an orthopedic specialist.

As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, Dr. Gazzaniga has decades of experience treating injuries of the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. His presentation emphasized the importance of recognizing critical warning signs while considering both the visible injury and its possible underlying complications.

Looking Beyond the Obvious Injury

Acute orthopedic injuries commonly follow a fall, collision, twisting movement, direct impact or sudden increase in physical activity. Pain and swelling are expected with many of these injuries, but their intensity does not always indicate the full extent of the damage.

A seemingly straightforward sprain, for example, may be accompanied by an occult fracture, tendon rupture or unstable joint injury. Conversely, some serious injuries may initially cause less pain than expected.

A thorough evaluation may include questions about how the injury occurred, where the patient feels pain and whether there is numbness, weakness or loss of function. Clinicians may also examine joint stability, circulation, sensation and movement before deciding whether imaging or specialist care is needed.

Warning Signs That Require Prompt Attention

Certain findings should raise concern following an acute musculoskeletal injury. These may include:

• A visibly deformed or displaced joint
• An open wound near a suspected fracture
• Loss of a pulse or unusually pale, cool skin below the injury
• New numbness, tingling or weakness
• Severe swelling or rapidly increasing pain
• Inability to bear weight or use the affected limb
• A locked joint or sudden loss of active movement
• Significant pain following a high-energy collision or fall
• Symptoms that continue to worsen despite rest and support

These warning signs can indicate a fracture, dislocation, tendon rupture, compartment syndrome or injury to a nerve or blood vessel. Prompt recognition helps patients reach the appropriate level of care without unnecessary delay.

Dislocations and Unstable Joint Injuries

A joint dislocation occurs when the bones forming a joint are forced out of their normal alignment. Dislocations can affect the shoulder, elbow, fingers, kneecap, hip and other joints.

In addition to causing pain and deformity, a dislocation may damage nearby ligaments, cartilage, nerves or blood vessels. Supporting the joint, assessing circulation and sensation, and obtaining appropriate medical care are important early steps.

Even if a joint appears to move back into place on its own, the patient should still be evaluated. Imaging and a specialist examination may be necessary to identify an associated fracture or determine whether the joint remains unstable.

Tendon Ruptures Can Be Easy to Overlook

Some tendon injuries cause a sudden loss of strength or function without producing an obvious deformity. Examples include ruptures of the Achilles tendon, quadriceps tendon, patellar tendon or distal biceps tendon.

Patients may report hearing or feeling a pop, followed by weakness and difficulty performing a specific movement. Someone with an Achilles tendon rupture, for example, may have trouble pushing off the injured foot. A patient with an injury to the quadriceps or patellar tendon may be unable to straighten the knee normally.

Early diagnosis matters because some tendon ruptures benefit from prompt orthopedic consultation and time-sensitive treatment planning.

Fractures That May Not Be Immediately Visible

Not every fracture is obvious during the initial examination. Small, nondisplaced or anatomically complex fractures may be difficult to detect, particularly around the wrist, elbow, hip, ankle and foot.

When a patient has focal tenderness, persistent difficulty bearing weight or symptoms inconsistent with an initial X-ray, additional imaging or follow-up evaluation may be appropriate. Providing clear instructions about activity, immobilization and worsening symptoms is also an important part of care.

The Importance of Neurovascular Assessment

Checking nerve function and circulation is a critical part of evaluating an injured extremity. Changes in sensation, muscle control, skin temperature, color or pulse may signal a complication requiring immediate attention.

Documenting these findings before and after immobilization or another intervention can help clinicians recognize changes in the patient’s condition. If circulation appears impaired or neurological symptoms are progressing, emergency treatment may be necessary.

Connecting Patients With the Right Level of Care

Urgent care clinicians play an essential role in the orthopedic care pathway. They are often the first medical professionals to evaluate an injury, relieve pain, arrange imaging, provide initial stabilization and determine whether a patient can safely continue with outpatient treatment.

Dr. Gazzaniga’s presentation highlighted the value of collaboration between urgent care teams and orthopedic specialists. Clear communication and timely referral help ensure that patients with significant injuries receive appropriate follow-up while those with less severe conditions receive practical guidance for recovery.

Advancing Musculoskeletal Care in Orange County

By sharing his experience with clinicians at Hoag Urgent Care centers, Dr. Gazzaniga continues his commitment to orthopedic education and coordinated patient care throughout Orange County.

Recognizing the injuries that should not be missed can protect long-term function, reduce complications and help each patient reach the right treatment at the right time.

Dr. David Gazzaniga is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and the treatment of shoulder, elbow, hip and knee injuries in Newport Beach. To learn more or request an orthopedic evaluation, contact his office.