Orthopedics focuses on injuries and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system. This medical specialty is often known as orthopedic surgery. Your capacity to move, work, and be active results from a complex network of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The following are some of the most prevalent types of orthopedic surgery:
- Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a camera and specialized equipment to inspect the inside of a joint to diagnose and treat joint diseases
- Bone fusion is a surgical procedure involving the “welding” of two or more bones, generally with bone grafts or internal devices such as metal rods. The spine is typically the target
- Joint replacement surgery entails implanting a metal-and-plastic prosthetic joint into a patient with osteoarthritis or severe joint degeneration. A joint can be substituted in whole or in part
- Internal fixation is a technique in which metal plates, screws, or pins hold bone fragments in place while the bone heals
- After a severe knee injury, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is repaired through orthopedic surgery
- Osteotomy is a surgical treatment that involves cutting and rearranging bone to correct an abnormal bone structure
- Restoring the health of injured tendons or ligaments is an example of soft tissue healing
Benefits of Orthopedic Surgery
1. Reduction or Elimination of Pain
The greatest benefit of orthopedic surgery from a medical standpoint is that it reduces excruciating pain. The soreness is likely the result of a long-standing injury or health issue. Fractures, short ligament tears, and similar disorders are categorized as injuries, whereas osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are health issues.
John, a 45-year-old construction worker, had been experiencing lower back pain for quite some time. Nothing, including physical therapy and multiple medicines, had provided him lasting respite. John saw an orthopedic specialist and ultimately decided to have spinal fusion surgery to resolve the underlying condition. John no longer experiences chronic pain as a result of the outstanding surgery.
Immediately contact an orthopedic physician if you experience any of these symptoms to check that your pain has subsided. Your mobility has returned to normal in this situation, and you can continue your regular daily activities.
2. Resumption of Normal Operations
Individuals who suffer from an orthopedic accident or disease lose the ability to move and use their joints mostly. Yet, this causes severe pain and suffering, making it impossible to accomplish physical duties and reducing the quality of life. Despite this, surgery, medicine, and physical therapy are more effective than other methods for restoring normal joint function. When all non-surgical options have been explored, it is customary to medically replace the damaged joint with an artificial one so the patient can return to a more normal and healthy lifestyle.
3. Reduction of Inflammation
When joints are harmed due to excessive use or fat, they swell and stiffen. When this occurs, ligament ruptures may also occur. A bursa is a fluid-filled pouch that prevents muscles, tendons, and bones from becoming excessively rigid. Bursitis is an inflammatory illness that affects the bursa. The most common locations are the shoulder, knee, elbow, foot, and hip. In extreme cases, surgery to remove a bursa can ease pain and swelling by emptying the sac of excess fluid or removing the bursa.
4. Enhancement of Strength Training and Athletic Abilities
The ACL of Tom, a 35-year-old basketball player, was torn. Despite his best attempts at self-rehabilitation, the injury was not healing. Tom underwent ACL reconstruction after consulting with an orthopedic surgeon. After a successful operation, Tom returned to the basketball court after some recuperation and physical therapy.
5. Enhanced Recuperation after Therapy
The only choice is orthopedic surgery when rest, medicines, and other therapies such as physiotherapy, injections, and other minor treatments fail to alleviate inflammation, edema, and pain. Evidence shows that continuous prescription drug usage increases the likelihood of physical dependence, addiction, and other health issues. Orthopedic procedures enhance the efficacy of a patient’s treatment and reduce the medicine they need.
6. Independence
Arthritis and other orthopedic problems may necessitate using crutches, canes, and walkers for mobility. This suggests that the patient cannot enjoy being able to walk again or cannot walk without assistance. For example, Mary, a retiree in her sixties, has endured years of severe knee osteoarthritis. Due to her discomfort and stiffness, she could no longer participate in the activities she had always enjoyed, such as gardening or spending time with her grandchildren.
Mary decided to undergo knee replacement surgery after consulting an orthopedic surgeon. The operation on Mary was successful, and she is now mobile and independent. The majority of orthopedic surgery patients report feeling better following treatment.
Risks Associated with Orthopedic Surgery
1. The Effects of Anesthesia
This issue may develop if the patient is allergic to or unable to tolerate any of the anesthesia’s components. Regional anesthesia generally carries fewer dangers than general anesthesia. The bad effects may be mild, transitory, severe, and permanent. Potential adverse effects include nausea, coldness, difficulty breathing, and slower mental processing speed.
2. Infection
People typically dread acquiring an infection after undergoing surgery. Most infections are straightforward to treat. Occasionally, additional surgeries and extended therapy are necessary to remove the illness.
3. The Coagulation of Blood
Blood clots in the veins represent a possible complication of orthopedic surgery. After surgery, blood clots can be prevented by compression, mobilization, or blood thinners.
Non-Surgical Therapy Alternatives
Although orthopedic surgery is typically the optimal treatment, it is not always required. There is an increased possibility of complications, a longer recovery, scars, and pain after surgery. Even with the most advanced minimally invasive techniques, recuperation from joint replacement surgery can take several months. Surgical surgery is frequently unnecessary for sports and occupational injuries.
There are numerous non-surgical therapy alternatives, including:
- Fluid drainage or aspiration by the needle
- Injectable steroids
- Injections with ultrasound guidance
- Bracing, shoding, and casting
- Joint manipulation
- Joint distension
- Physical therapy
- The use of extracellular shock waves in therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment
- Facet joint injections
- Epidural cervical injection
- Viscosupplementation for arthritis treatment
- Lumbar epidural steroid injection
Orthopedic procedures include arthroscopy, bone fusion, joint replacement surgery, internal fixation, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair, osteotomy, and healing of soft tissues. The advantages of orthopedic surgery include pain alleviation, restoration of normal function, decreased inflammation and edema, better strength training and sports performance capacity, quicker recovery from therapy, and the ability to live independently.
The risks of anesthesia, infection, and blood clotting are potential complications during orthopedic surgery. Completely avoiding surgery is best. Orthopedic treatments may be required when non-invasive approaches have failed to treat joint infections, nerve injury, open bone fractures, or compartment syndrome caused by an accumulation of fluids or blood in the muscles. Ensure that you get a proper diagnosis and find an orthopedic practice, like Integrated Orthopedics, that can provide a comprehensive orthopedic surgery or treatment option.
