If you are experiencing muscle, bone, or joint discomfort, an orthopedic surgeon can be an invaluable help. They specialize in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions including injuries to bones, joints, ligaments and tendons.
Orthopedic doctors can often treat various conditions without resorting to orthopedic surgery; instead, they may employ physical therapy as part of their approach.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating injuries and diseases that impact bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and associated structures such as ligaments. Their methods typically include medication and physical therapy to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Undergoing orthopedic surgeries such as joint replacement can be lifesaving; however, they aren't always the ideal choice for a patient.
An orthopedic surgeon may recommend medication, injections or physical therapy in addition to surgery as treatments for your condition. Although sometimes conditions improve after receiving just a single therapy treatment plan, sometimes multiple approaches must be used before lasting relief is achieved.
Joint Replacement
If you are suffering from joint pain and have tried nonsurgical remedies like medications, physical therapy and activity modifications without success, your doctor may suggest joint replacement surgery as a means of relief. Essentially this surgery entails extracting one or all damaged joints and replacing them with artificial devices made of plastic, metal or ceramic known as prostheses - which your surgeon will then implant as implants into new joint locations.
Hip and knee joint replacement are among the most prevalent treatments of this nature; however, other joints -- including ankle, shoulder, elbow or wrist joints -- may also be subject to replacement procedures.
Your recovery after total joint replacement depends on the type of surgery performed and your general health. Your surgeon will outline how best to care for your new joint.
Your muscles and tissues may experience some temporary discomfort as they heal after your replacement joint replacement, which is normal and should subside over time. Your doctor will likely provide pain medication as well as an exercise program designed to restore muscle strength and range of motion.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive process that enables your doctor to accurately identify and address joint-related problems in your joints. Arthroscopy can detect ligament tears, rotator cuff injuries, arthritis symptoms and more - providing crucial insights for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Your surgeon will insert an arthroscope through a small incision and use it to examine the interior of your knee, shoulder, or ankle joint. If necessary, other incisions may be made in order to repair any damages that have occurred.
Arthroscopic surgery tends to be less traumatic and recovery typically happens faster, although this depends on your specific procedure and overall health status.
Before undergoing arthroscopic surgery, you will first meet with an orthopedic surgeon and medical team to assess your specific situation and treatment plan. They will review X-rays, discuss symptoms such as pain levels or discomfort levels and determine which procedure best fits with you.
Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgery may be necessary when non-invasive treatments like physical therapy, medication and spinal injections have failed. Furthermore, surgery should also be considered when neurogenic pain in legs or arms leads to weakness; such symptoms could be caused by compression of nerve roots or spinal cord in an affected area.
Surgery to fuse two or more vertebrae may also be recommended as a means of treating back problems, as this helps stop motion in painful areas and allows more optimal functioning.
Your surgeon will use bone or synthetic materials to implant into various spaces between vertebrae to promote fusion. Depending on your specific needs, this may involve traditional incisions or minimally invasive procedures with smaller incisions.
