Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that identifies and treats problems with muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons. If your primary care physician determines you have a joint, bone or muscle complaint that requires attention from an orthopedic surgeon, they may refer you to one.
Before scheduling surgery, an orthopedist will meet with you for a consultation or evaluation. During this visit, they will review your medical history and X-rays or MRI to understand your condition.
Spine Disorders
The spinal cord runs through the spine, and nerves attach to it at different spots. Spine disorders can damage the cord itself or the nerves around it. These can be caused by injury (like from a car crash, sports mishap, or gunshot wound), bone spurs, herniated disks, spinal stenosis, or cancer spreading to the spine (like lung, breast, or prostate cancer). The brain sends signals through the corticospinal tracts to control muscles. If the spinal cord is damaged, the muscle goes limp (flaccid), or it can cause pain and tightness and contractions that happen on their own over days to weeks (called spasticity).
Spine injuries are most common in the lumbar and cervical spine regions. Injuries to the sacroiliac joint, the hip bone, or the coccyx may also need orthopedic care. Usually, orthopedic doctors treat these disorders with conservative measures, like exercise and medication, but surgery is required for some conditions. If you think you have a spinal problem, start with your primary care doctor. Ask for a referral to an orthopedic specialist or use an online database to find one who accepts your health insurance.
Tendinitis
Tendons are tough cords that attach muscle to bone. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. It often happens in the shoulder, wrist, elbow, knee or heel. Tendinitis can also be caused by overuse, injury or certain health conditions, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
A doctor can usually diagnose tendinitis based on your symptoms and physical exam. They may gently move the affected area to see if there is tenderness or a creaking sound. They might order an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to check for tears in the tendon.
Most cases of tendinitis get better with rest, ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If the pain persists, a corticosteroid injection might help. This treatment reduces swelling and relieves pain. Some people might need surgery if the pain doesn’t go away. Tendon injuries are more common as people age. It’s important to avoid repetitive motions and overuse, and to use proper technique when exercising and working.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness and pain in your wrist, hand and fingers. It occurs when a nerve in your wrist (median) becomes compressed. Symptoms usually start slowly and get worse over time. You may notice them while sleeping (waking up with a hand in a “splint” position), or during activities that bend your wrist (like typing on a computer keyboard or talking on the phone).
Your doctor will test your fingers and hands to see whether you have pain, tingling or numbness. They may tap on your back with a finger or use a device called a 2-point discriminator to determine how far apart you can feel two points of pressure. This helps them figure out if your median nerve is damaged or not.부산정형외과
They might order an X-ray to rule out other problems like arthritis or a fractured wrist bone. They might also ask you to wear a wrist brace during the day to keep your wrist in a neutral position. They might also recommend seeing a physiatrist or neurologist to have an electromyography, or EMG, done on your wrist muscles.
Joint Replacements
Over time, wear and tear or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can take their toll on joints. Symptoms such as pain and stiffness can significantly impact quality of life, so sometimes doctors will recommend joint replacement surgery to relieve discomfort and restore mobility.부산족저근막염
In total knee or hip replacement (arthroplasty), an orthopedic surgeon replaces the damaged cartilage and bone in the joint with metal and plastic implants. The implants are designed to look and function as a natural joint.
During the surgery, your doctor will administer anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel any pain. They’ll make an incision over the affected area and then remove or resurface the damaged tissue. They may also insert spacers or other prosthetic materials to recreate a healthy joint. When the procedure is finished, they’ll close the wound with stitches or surgical staples. They’ll also provide you with a physical therapy plan to get you moving again. Using the new joint early on is key to speeding up recovery.