There are many different types of Orthopedic surgeries that surgeons get to perform. While some of these surgeries seem intrusive, they are mostly routine. But, thanks to improvements in technology, now there are even more options available for minimally invasive surgeries. Should you require surgery, your doctor lets you know what procedures you need. Look at this list to learn more about surgeries that Orthopedic doctors perform.
What To Expect With Knee Surgery
A knee injury is the most common kind of Orthopedic Surgery performed since people use their knees more than any other joint in their body, causing damage from overuse. Knee replacement surgery can replace part of the knee, or you may need to replace the entire thing. When surgeons perform this surgery, they replace the injured part of the joint with an artificial one.
The artificial joint needs to replace the original one because usually, there is too much damage to the existing joint. The damage done by an injury restricts movement and causes pain. But, there are several different reasons behind a knee injury, such as trauma, obesity, and bursitis.
How To Fix an ACL Tear
Your Anterior Cruciate Ligament is a structural part of your knee that runs directly across its front. This ligament helps stabilize you when rotating your legs. Therefore, reconstructive surgery is necessary to repair the tear when this ligament rips.
The surgery to mend this tear involves taking tendons from elsewhere on your body and transferring them to the damaged part of the ACL. Since this is not a major surgery, the patient returns home the same day, with some restrictions.
When Do You Need A Hip Replacement
The hip is another typical joint that needs replacing. Your hip comprises two parts called the acetabulum and the femoral head. Like your knee, the hip wears down over time, especially when there is existing damage. There are two different types of surgery available for hip replacement.
In most hip cases, the entire joint needs replacement. However, your other option for surgery is only replacing the part of the hip that involves damage, but this is not an option for most cases.
How To Do A Shoulder Replacement
Most people do not consider how much they use their shoulders. This joint is responsible for moving your arms. Naturally, your shoulders take on a lot of stress and are often overused. This stress over some time breaks down and damages your shoulder joints.
The upper part of the humerus is cut out and replaced with a metal ball that mimics the original joint. Then a piece of plastic replaces the part of the socket that has damage. With that said, if your rotator cuff has damage, it also needs repairs to fix the problem in your shoulder.
What is Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is the name of a procedure done on your knee or shoulder to repair any damage. This minimally invasive procedure enables a surgeon to place a small camera to get a clear image of the damage done. Having this done before any surgeries to your knee or shoulder is necessary since it allows the surgeon to look at the damage done before any repairs.
When is Joint Fusion Necessary
If you have arthritis, there may be a time when you need a joint fusion procedure. Your surgeon uses cartilage from another area on your body and graphs it onto the damaged area. Once that is done, your joints are fused on either side, and now you can stabilize the joint. Surgeons may need to do this procedure on other body parts, like the arms, legs and feet.
Orthopedic surgery covers many different areas of the body. These surgeries are necessary for relieving chronic pain or fixing existing damage. Although, surgeons use some of these procedures as part of a treatment plan, such as arthritis. So, do not suffer from any of these injuries. Visit your doctor to see what treatments may help.
