When to go to Orthopedics?

The musculoskeletal conditions may be present since birth or may have developed due to injury or wear and tear.

Conditions treated by the orthopedics are as follows:

• Back pain
• Bone fractures
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain and issues such as bursitis
• Joint pain from arthritis
• Soft tissue injuries affecting tendons, ligaments and muscles
• Bone cancer
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Overuse and sports injuries, including tendinitis, sprains, meniscus tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Congenital conditions like clubfoot and scoliosis

Orthopedic Arthritis Treatment

With age, the cartilage that cushions the joints gets damaged, causing swelling, pain and difficulty in movement. Firstly, this condition is treated through medications and low-intensity exercises like weight lifting, swimming, etc. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Orthopedic Oncology

An orthopedic oncologist treats cancers in soft tissues, bones, muscles and blood vessels. Depending on the pain and condition, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be suggested.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

In this condition, the nerve on the wrist becomes strained due to overuse. An orthopedist may recommend a split, steroids or over-the-counter pain medicines. Otherwise, a carpel tunnel release surgery is performed to cut the ligament in the wrist to reduce pressure on the nerve and surrounding muscles.

Sciatica

Inflammation or pinching in nerves can lead to pain in the nerves of the lower back and upper legs. This can be treated through hot and cold treatments, stretching and over-the-counter medicines. Severe sciatica can be cured by medication, physical therapy and surgery.

Osteoporosis

With age, the bones get damaged, which could lead to broken bones. The orthopedist treats osteoporosis through vitamin supplements, medicines and physical therapy.

Hip Dysplasia

Generally present since birth, hip dysplasia is a condition wherein the hip socket doesn't form correctly; this leads to difficulty in walking. In babies and younger adults, the orthopedist uses braces through a procedure called periacetabular osteotomy, in which the surgeon cuts the bone to reshape the hip socket. An arthroscopy can also be performed, in which a tiny camera is inserted through a small surgical cut in the hip. This camera sends images of the interiors of the hip socket so that the doctor can make minor repairs. The orthopedist may suggest hip replacement for elders.

Tendonitis

Due to overuse or injury, the tendon that connects the muscle and bone gets strained and causes painful movement. This condition can be treated at home through hot and cold treatment and over-the-counter medicines. In rare cases, the orthopedist may suggest steroid shots or physical therapy. Surgery may also be required to treat tendonitis.

Sprains and Strains

Due to overuse and overstretching, sprains and strains cause swelling. While sprains refer to ligament injuries, strains are muscle or tendon injuries. The mild pain caused by strains and sprains can be treated at home with ice, compression, rest and elevation. For severe pain, the orthopedist may recommend a sling or brace, shots of pain medication, physical therapy or surgery.

Scoliosis

When the spine curves in an incorrect fashion, it can cause difficulty in walking, soreness or no symptoms. The orthopedist will check your spine and prescribe braces. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

An Appointment at the Orthopedic

The orthopedic diagnoses the person through a physical examination and imaging tests such as a CT scan, bone scan, MRI scan and ultrasound. The doctor will ask for medical history and symptoms, if any. The orthopedist may even conduct fluoroscopy, nerve conduction studies and blood tests.

After checking the person's condition, the orthopedist may administer corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation. The orthopedist repairs acute injuries such as fractures and dislocations by reforming bone and joints and immobilizing them through a cast, splint or brace.

Orthopedic specialties are as follows:

• Trauma surgery
• Spine surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Joint replacement surgery
• Hand and upper extremity
• Foot and ankle or podiatry
• Sports medicine
• Orthopedic oncology for trauma and cancer care

Operations Performed by Orthopedic Surgeons

Total Joint Replacement Surgery (TJR)

During TJR or arthroplasty, the orthopedist removes worn-out surfaces of a damaged joint and uses a prosthesis made of metal, plastic or ceramic as a replacement to replicate the functions of a healthy typical joint. Generally, people can perform daily activities with ease after a TJR.

Arthroscopic Surgery

In this minimally invasive procedure, the orthopedist inserts a thin, long camera inside a person’s knee or shoulder joint. The camera sends images of the interiors of the joint to a video monitor. With the help of the images, the orthopedist performs surgery through several thin instruments. Arthroscopic surgery is performed to fix Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears, rotator cuff tears and meniscus tears. Recovery from arthroscopic surgery can take between 1 week to several months.

Bone Grafting Surgery

Orthopedists perform bone grafting surgery to boost bone regeneration when the person’s body is not able to develop enough new bone. In bone grafting surgery, the orthopedic surgeon takes bone from the donor or can harvest bone graft from leg bone, hipbone or ribs. The surgeon inserts the bone graft between two pieces of bone that need to grow together. The surgeon might require to secure the bone with the help of rods, plates or special screws. This helps in repairing and strengthening the damaged bone. Synthetic bone substitutes or bone grafts from cadavers may also be used.

Fracture Repair Surgery

An orthopedic surgeon recommends fracture repair surgery to restore the normal anatomy of a broken bone. For stability of bone, implants such as screws, rods, plates and wires may be used. After fracture repair surgery, the person may lose muscle strength and range of motion in the injured area. The orthopedist may suggest exercises to restore normal joint motion, flexibility and muscle strength.

Spinal Fusion

In spinal fusion surgery, the orthopedist fuses two or more vertebrae to correct problems with the spine. With the help of this procedure, the vertebra heals into a single, solid mass of bone. This can be performed to treat back and neck issues, including scoliosis and injuries to vertebrae or intervertebral disks.

If you are having any bone or joint issues, contact the orthopedist at Matrix Hospital.