Orthopedic surgery is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
- Scope of Orthopedic Surgery: Orthopedic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures to address conditions such as fractures, joint injuries, arthritis, spinal disorders, sports injuries, and congenital musculoskeletal problems.
- Common Procedures: Common orthopedic surgeries include joint replacement (such as hip or knee replacement), arthroscopy, spinal surgery, fracture fixation, and ligament or tendon repair. These procedures aim to restore function, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
- Joint Replacement: Involves replacing damaged or diseased joints with artificial implants. This surgery is commonly performed on hips, knees, and shoulders, providing significant pain relief and improved joint function for patients with severe arthritis or joint damage.
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems. It involves inserting a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions to perform procedures like cartilage repair, ligament reconstruction, and joint debridement.
- Spinal Surgery: Addresses conditions affecting the spine, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal fractures. Techniques include spinal fusion, discectomy, and laminectomy to stabilize the spine or relieve nerve compression.
- Fracture Fixation: Aims to stabilize broken bones using screws, plates, rods, or external fixation devices. This helps bones heal correctly and restores function after a fracture.
- Sports Medicine: A subfield of orthopedic surgery focused on treating sports-related injuries, such as torn ligaments, tendons, and muscle strains. Orthopedic surgeons in this field often work with athletes to help them recover and return to their sport.
- Rehabilitation and Recovery: Orthopedic surgery often requires post-operative rehabilitation to regain strength, flexibility, and function. Physical therapy is a crucial component of recovery, helping patients restore mobility and prevent future injuries.
Orthopedic surgery aims to improve the quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal disorders through surgical intervention, often combined with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and medication. The goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.