Emergency Room Vs. Orthopaedic Urgent Care

Injuries are not scheduled and tend to occur when you least expect them. When you or your loved one suffers an injury, you want the best care available as soon as possible. In some cases, that means a trip to the emergency room. Other times, however, you can avoid a long wait and get an assessment and care from a specialist if you visit a musculoskeletal urgent care clinic. 

When you need immediate attention for most acute bone, joint, and muscle injuries, like a fracture or a shoulder injury, our urgent care service will offer you the care you need—fast. 

In the case of life-threatening injuries and other emergencies, such as open fractures, cuts with bleeding that won’t stop, burns, or head injuries, you will need to visit an emergency room immediately or call 911. 

For a better idea of which service is necessary, refer to the listing below.

 Orthopaedic Urgent CareEmergency Room
New or recent bone/joint/muscle injury 
Sports Injuries 
Pain or swelling in a joint 
Hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries 
Recent back pain 
Ankle sprains or strains 
Knee sprains or strains 
Work-related injuries 
Dislocations 
Fractures breaking through skin or open wound over fracture 
Animal bites 
Burns 
Concussions or head injuries 
Deep cuts 
Severe pain requiring IV administration or sedation 

For more information on our Orthopaedic Urgent Care services at Shoreline Orthopaedics, call (616) 396-5855. If you are currently seeking initial or follow-up care for a sports-related injury, please schedule an appointment online with one of our sports medicine specialists.