Orthopaedic Surgery for pain relief & mobility

Orthopaedic surgery is a specialized medical field that focuses on diagnosing, treating, repairing, and preventing conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. This system comprises your bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and soft tissues, all of which play a crucial role in movement, posture, and overall mobility.

Orthopedic surgeons perform various procedures, ranging from minimally invasive treatments to complex surgeries, to address injuries, deformities, and degenerative diseases.

Common Types of Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgeons specialize in treating different areas of the musculoskeletal system, including:

• Hip Surgery: Hip replacement, hip resurfacing
• Knee Surgery: ACL reconstruction, total knee replacement
• Hand & Wrist Surgery: Carpal tunnel release, tendon repair
• Foot & Ankle Surgery: Achilles tendon repair, ankle fusion
• Spinal Surgery: Spinal fusion, herniated disc surgery
• Shoulder & Elbow Surgery: Rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement

Additionally, orthopaedic surgery is categorized into sub-specialties, such as:

• Sports Injuries & Medicine – Treats athletic injuries
• Trauma Surgery – Manages fractures and acute injuries
• Paediatric Orthopaedics – Focuses on congenital and developmental conditions in children
• Oncological Surgery – Addresses bone and soft tissue tumors

Conditions Treated by Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic procedures help manage and treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Joint, muscle, and bone pain
• Ligament and cartilage tears
• Bone fractures and dislocations
• Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Bursitis and tendonitis
• Spinal disorders (scoliosis, herniated discs)
• Sports injuries (ACL tear, rotator cuff injuries)
• Congenital deformities

How Common is Orthopaedic Surgery?

Orthopaedic surgery is widely performed worldwide. Some of the most common procedures include:

• ACL reconstruction (one of the most frequent sports-related surgeries)
• Total knee replacement (performed over 600,000 times annually in the U.S. alone)
• Hip replacement (a highly successful procedure with a 95% success rate)

Procedure Details

What to Expect Before Orthopaedic Surgery

Before surgery, you will have an initial consultation with an orthopaedic specialist. This involves:

• Reviewing your medical history
• Conducting a physical examination
• Performing imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)
• Discussing treatment options and expected outcomes
• Scheduling the surgery and preparing pre-operative instructions

How Long Does It Take to Schedule Surgery?

• Emergency surgeries (e.g., fractures) may require immediate intervention.
• Elective surgeries (e.g., joint replacement) can be scheduled within weeks or months, depending on the severity of your condition and the surgeon’s availability.

What Happens During Orthopaedic Surgery?

The procedure varies based on the condition being treated. General steps include:

1. Anesthesia Administration: Either general or regional anesthesia is used to ensure a pain-free procedure.
2. Surgical Incision: A precise incision is made to access the affected area.
3. Procedure Execution: Surgeons may repair fractures with screws, plates, or rods, replace damaged joints with implants, or reconstruct ligaments using grafts.
4. Closure & Dressing: Incisions are sutured, and the site is bandaged for protection.

What Happens After Surgery?

• You will be monitored in a recovery area until anesthesia wears off.
• Depending on the procedure, you may be discharged the same day or require hospitalization.
• You will receive post-operative care instructions, including medication guidance, movement restrictions, and wound care protocols.

Risks & Benefits of Orthopaedic Surgery

Advantages

• Pain relief and improved mobility
• Restoration of joint function and muscle strength
• Correction of deformities or structural issues
• Faster recovery from sports and traumatic injuries

Potential Risks

Although rare, some risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Joint stiffness or pain
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots
• Delayed healing or need for revision surgery

Discussing risks with your surgeon helps you make an informed decision about your procedure.

Recovery & Outlook

Recovery Time for Common Procedures

• ACL surgery: 6-9 months
• Bone fracture surgery: 3 months
• Knee replacement: 3-6 months

Returning to Normal Activities

• Light daily activities may resume in a few days.
• Avoid strenuous movements or heavy lifting for several weeks.
• Athletes may take 6-12 months to return to sports, depending on the surgery.
• Physical therapy plays a vital role in regaining strength and flexibility.

When to Contact a Doctor Post-Surgery

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent fever
• Excessive swelling or redness
• Severe pain that doesn't improve with medication
• Unusual fluid or blood drainage from the surgical site

Final Thoughts

Orthopaedic surgery plays a critical role in restoring mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. Whether you need surgery for an injury, a degenerative condition, or a congenital issue, consulting with an experienced orthopaedic surgeon ensures the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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