Severe discomfort in your joints, bones, and tendons can interfere with your daily life. If it results from an injury or arthritis, making an appointment with your orthopedic surgeon can help. An orthopedist will examine the part of your musculoskeletal system causing pain to determine if you require surgery. Here are five surgical procedures an orthopedist might offer:
1. Shoulder Surgeries
Shoulder injuries can develop slowly, leading to stiffness, weakness, or tingling sensation. This is often the case if you’re experiencing shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or tendonitis. If non-operative treatment can’t help relieve pain, your orthopedist may recommend shoulder surgery. The most common surgeries offered include shoulder replacement, superior capsular reconstruction, and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. After treatment, your orthopedist can use physical therapy to strengthen your shoulders while promoting a healthy recovery.
2. Hand Surgeries
A hand injury or dysfunction may require the attention of an orthopedic surgeon to promote recovery. Each of your hands comprises several bones, including the metacarpal, phalangeal, and carpal. An injury to these bones might require surgery to restore mobility and improve function. Hand surgeries are necessary if one experiences trigger finger, arthritis, and severe thumb sprains. Your orthopedist will conduct thorough exams on the affected hand to diagnose the injury and determine if you need surgery. Hand surgeries may involve minimally invasive to more complex procedures like hand fusion, tendon repairs, and joint replacement.
3. Wrist Surgeries
Your wrist can experience various orthopedic issues ranging from sprains to carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis. These problems not only cause severe pain but can also impede wrist mobility and function. An orthopedist will examine your wrist and use non-operative procedures if necessary. Sometimes, orthopedic surgeons recommend MRI scans or X-rays to learn more about your wrist injury. If non-operative procedures can’t treat the injury, your orthopedist might recommend surgery. Wrist surgeries include bone setting, carpal tunnel release, and arthroscopic procedures. After surgery, your orthopedist will recommend rehabilitation to restore wrist motion and function.
4. Elbow Surgeries
The elbow is one of the most complicated and frequently used joints in our bodies. With repetitive movements, your elbow can experience uncomfortable deterioration. This is common with individuals who participate in sports like golf and tennis. Elbow injuries that might require surgeries include severe fractures, osteoarthritis, and ulnar nerve entrapment. Your doctor might recommend minimally invasive surgical procedures like endoscopic cubital tunnel release. For severe elbow arthritis, your surgeon can recommend an elbow joint replacement.
5. Orthopedic Trauma Surgery
If you’ve had a previous traumatic bone injury, your orthopedist may use surgery as a treatment option. Orthopedic trauma surgery can help restore the condition of a severely fractured bone. It’s ideal for compound and comminuted fractures. During surgery, the doctor will remove any bone shards or debris. If your bone is broken into multiple parts, surgeons may use metal pins to realign and secure the pieces. After the procedure, you’ll need physical therapy to rebuild bone strength and flexibility.
Schedule Your Consultation with an Orthopedic Surgeon
If the pain in your shoulders, hands, or elbows causes discomfort or reduces mobility, it’s probably time to see an orthopedist. Your orthopedist will examine the affected area using X-rays or MRI scans to determine the cause of pain. This may also help them determine the right orthopedic surgery to treat the affected bone or joint. Contact a qualified orthopedic surgeon today to start your treatment.
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