by Liz Bonis, WKRC | Click here to see the full story. 

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – As colder temperatures return, local surgeons are seeing a rise in weather-related injuries, particularly from slips and falls on slick surfaces.

Tim Snider, a recent patient, shared his experience: “I tripped, there was a step I didn’t see and I tripped on it.” Snider suffered a broken wrist, describing the pain as “astronomical” and “unbelievable.”

Dr. Jonathan Slaughter, an OrthoCincy surgeon, explained that improper stabilization of wrist bones can necessitate surgery, as was the case with Snider. Dr. Slaughter noted that winter months often see an increase in injuries such as head, shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee injuries due to falls. “There’s no perfect way to fall, that’s the hard part,” he said.

He advised caution on potentially icy surfaces and recommended visiting an orthopedic urgent care instead of an emergency room for faster recovery. “Outcomes are better, recovery is faster, that’s why we follow them closely,” Dr. Slaughter said.