When should you consider Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic surgeons have the skillset to examine diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. They take care of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves, parts of the body that allow you to move, work and be active.
Orthopedic surgery helps millions of people with debilitating injury or disease return to their active lifestyles every year.
Any type of operation on the musculoskeletal system for the treatment of painful symptoms or restricted mobility can be a part of orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic Surgery may involve a relatively simple repair or removal of torn ligaments, tendons, or debris from joints through tiny poke-hole incisions as in arthroscopy or more complex procedures such as minimally invasive joint replacement surgery. Arthroscopy may also be used as a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of your joint pain.
Many people suffering with degenerative joint disease or painful orthopedic injuries are often hesitant or aren’t aware of the benefits of orthopedic surgery. Many patients can undergo outpatient orthopedic surgery and return home the same day.
Types of Surgeries Performed by Orthopedic Surgeons at Maplewood Surgery Center
Total Joint Replacement
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure that is performed to replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint. Joint replacements can be performed on every joint in the body, but most commonly performed in the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow. Less common procedures are performed on the wrist or ankle.
All joints contain cartilage, which protects joints and facilitates movement. If the joint has been injured, over time, the cartilage wears away and the bones of the joint start rubbing together. As the bones rub together and the joint becomes stiff and painful. Most people have joint replacement surgery when they can no longer control the pain with medication and other treatments and the pain is significantly interfering with their lives.
It may be time to consider surgery if you have tried conservative treatment options such as acupuncture, pain medications, injections, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications and still experience signs and symptoms of pain.
Orthopedic surgery can offer a safe and permanent solution to many bone and joint conditions. If you have been living with a minor orthopedic condition that does not seem to be getting better, the first step would be to visit your doctor or an orthopedic physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis and explore possible treatment options.
If you have any questions about these types of procedures, or to book an appointment to see one of our Orthopedic Surgeons, please call us at 651-471-9701.