Musculoskeletal pain and injury can strike at any age or stage of life. That’s why orthopedists (orthopedic surgeons) are trained to evaluate, treat and rehabilitate patients with these conditions.
They typically start by trying nonsurgical treatments, like over-the-counter medicines, splints or physical therapy. But if your problems persist, they may recommend surgery.
Surgical Treatments
A patient suffering from a musculoskeletal condition that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments might require orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic surgeries are aimed at relieving pain and improving the functioning of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The surgical methods include minimally invasive techniques and advanced imaging technologies.
Orthopedic surgeries are performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. They may involve the repair of severed tendons, broken bones, and torn ligaments. The surgeons also perform soft tissue repair procedures. This includes mending torn tendons and ligaments in the knee, foot, hand, arm, shoulder, elbow, and spine.
The most common orthopedic treatment involves repairing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The ACL is located diagonally in the front of the knee and provides stability when you rotate your leg. This ligament can be torn due to sports-related injuries, or by trauma such as a direct blow to the knee.척추관절병원
Another popular orthopedic treatment is bone grafting. This surgery replaces missing bone with material from your own body, or a synthetic or natural substitute. It can be used to repair bone fractures that are too complex for a simple cast to fix.송파정형외과
Bone grafts are also used to treat osteomyelitis, or bone infection. The surgeons create a space between the bone and the surrounding healthy bone, and then pack it with grafting material. The bone graft helps the fractured bones heal faster.
Orthopedic doctors also use a procedure called external fixation to set complicated fractures in the bone of the leg, hip, arm or collarbone. Holes are drilled into uninjured areas of the bones around the fracture and special bolts or wires are screwed into these holes. A rod or curved piece of metal with special ball-and-socket joint is then attached to the bolts, which are joined by a curved bone graft at the end to make a rigid support for the broken bones.
Surgical treatment for shoulder injuries includes rotator cuff surgery. This surgery is required when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or injured. The rotator cuff tendons are responsible for the movement of the shoulder, and an injury can be very painful. This orthopedic surgery reduces the risk of permanent damage to the tendons.
Spinal surgery can correct conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis. A herniated disc can cause pain and numbness in the legs and arms. To remove the pressure from the nerves, the orthopedic doctor might recommend a microdiscectomy, or removing part of the damaged spinal disc.
Minimally invasive surgery
A recent advancement in orthopedic treatments is the development of minimally invasive surgery, or MIS. This surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to reduce the risks of complications during recovery. It can also result in shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and improved results. The procedure also reduces the need for patients to rely on crutches, canes, or walkers for mobility. Long term usage of these devices can cause health problems and lead to physical dependence. Hence, orthopedic surgery is the best option for those who want to get back their independence.