Orthopedics
Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics, is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.
Overview
Orthopedic surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of conditions and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons are specialized doctors who are trained to perform surgical procedures to correct deformities, alleviate pain, restore function, and improve overall musculoskeletal health.
Detail
The musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other connective tissues. Orthopedic surgery can address a wide range of conditions, including:
- Fractures and Trauma: Surgical repair of broken bones, such as fractures of the arms, legs, hips, or shoulders, using techniques like internal fixation (plates, screws, rods) or external fixation.
- Joint Replacement: Replacement of damaged or arthritic joints with artificial prostheses, most commonly in the hips, knees, or shoulders. Total hip replacement and total knee replacement are among the most common orthopedic surgeries.
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure using an arthroscope, a small camera, to diagnose and treat joint conditions, such as torn ligaments, meniscus tears, or cartilage damage.
- Spine Surgery: Surgical interventions for conditions affecting the spine, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis), or spinal cord compression. Procedures may include spinal fusion, discectomy, laminectomy, or vertebroplasty.
- Sports Medicine: Treatment of sports-related injuries, such as ligament tears (ACL, MCL), tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, or labral tears. Arthroscopic procedures are often used in sports medicine surgeries.
- Hand and Wrist Surgery: Surgical treatment for conditions affecting the hands and wrists, including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tendon repairs, or hand fractures.
- Pediatric Orthopedics: Specialized orthopedic care for children with conditions like congenital deformities, scoliosis, clubfoot, or developmental hip dysplasia.
Orthopedic surgery may involve open procedures (traditional surgical incisions) or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the specific condition and the surgeon’s approach. These surgeries often require a multidisciplinary approach, with orthopedic surgeons collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, radiologists, and anesthesiologists to provide comprehensive care.
It’s important to note that orthopedic surgeons also play a significant role in non-surgical treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medications, physical therapy, injections, and other conservative approaches. The decision to undergo orthopedic surgery is made after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition, medical history, and treatment goals.
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