An overview of orthopedic surgery

Professional orthopedic surgery is designed to treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system that result from sports injuries or conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, arthritis, knee and hip problems. The health and healing of joints, tendons, ligaments and bones come under the aegis of orthopedic care.

Orthopedic surgery is most popularly used to rectify severe knee injuries that result from trauma or stress resulting from extreme sports activities. Orthopedic surgery is also effective in the repair of hip injuries that result from trauma, fractures or arthritis. In the past, conditions like a tennis elbow were difficult to treat. However, orthopedic surgery has made it possible for sportspeople to reclaim their activity after they have been treated.

Some of the most common orthopedic surgeries are for:

• Elbow problems
• Shoulder problems
• Knee replacement
• Hip replacement
• Foot and ankle problems
• Pediatric problems involving bones and joints
• Spine problems like Degenerative Disk Disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Arthritis
• Tumors
• Gout

Surgical intervention helps in the repair of many chronic diseases like arthritis that affects the knees, back and hands. Conditions such as these are not just painful but also severely limiting. In most cases, there is no cure for these problems and surgical intervention is the only way to achieve long term relief.

The purpose of orthopedic surgery is two-fold:

• To repair any damaged tissues, bones, joints, ligaments or tendons
• To increase movement of the joint

Orthopedic treatment is effective in reducing any deformity of the spine caused as a result of arthritis or other chronic conditions.

Orthopedic surgery is carried out under general anesthesia and the procedure may last for several hours. Following the surgery, sutures will be put in. Recovery is generally rapid although the specific period varies with the procedure. Physical therapy might be required to restore full mobility. After the surgery, patients can expect a highly improved quality of life following the reduction of pain and enhanced mobility. Success rate is generally high, provided a qualified and experienced professional conducts the operation.

Some tips you must remember before going in for orthopedic surgery are:

• Ask lots of questions to your doctor. Find out about recovery time, need for physiotherapy and the use of anesthesia
• Find out what medications will be needed after the procedure
• Research and read about your condition as much as possible
• Surgery should be the last option. Explore other treatment methods before you opt for surgery
• Try to build muscles in the area that is being operated on, both before and after the surgery
• Plan ahead for your needs immediately after the surgery
• Follow doctor’s orders to the last letter

Finally, find yourself a good doctor. A good doctor is not one who is just good in surgery but is also a good listener and takes the time to explain everything to you in great detail.