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What is Orthopedic Surgery?

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Orthopedic surgery is a type of operative procedures that treats and corrects problems of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Orthopedic surgeons utilize both surgical and non-surgical treatment methods to treat injuries, trauma, infections, birth defects and degenerative diseases.

Types of Orthopedic Surgeries

There are many different types of orthopedic surgery to treat conditions and pain. An orthopedic surgeon can be involved in complex emergency care like amputation, reconstruction, and joint replacement. However, they also work on routine emergency care for bone brakes, bone fractures, sprains, and dislocations. Three of the most common types of orthopedic surgeries are arthroscopy, bone fracture repair and corrective.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is used by orthopedic surgeons to discover, diagnose, and at times, treat problems in the joints. The surgeon will make a small incision near the joint and then insert a endoscope into the joint to examine or treat the issue through a small camera.

In addition to an arthroscopy procedure, a bone fracture repair is a common surgery that orthopedic surgeons perform. The surgeon will first reposition the bone or fragments, so they return to the normal alignment. Screws, plates, nails, or wires are then placed to keep the damaged bones secure. This procedure is most use with fractures of the leg, ribs, collar bone, or hip.

Corrective surgery is also a common type of orthopedic surgery. These types of procedures include the correction of abnormalities or deformities in the musculoskeletal structure. Corrective surgery is more common with spine and limb structural problems and are performed when a condition limits mobility or function, of could cause long-term issues.

Although these are the most common surgeries that orthopedic surgeons perform, there are many others in each specialty of the body.

What To Expect After an Orthopedic Surgery

One of the most important parts of an orthopedic surgery id the rehabilitation process. The purpose of an orthopedic surgery is to restore function and mobility. If the rehabilitation and healing process are not done properly, it’s possible that you won’t get those back. If you’re planning to undergo an orthopedic procedure, it’s important to know what you can expect during healing process.

  • You will likely experience some swelling, inflammation, and pain. These are not uncommon with any procedures and can last weeks after the surgery. The best way to deal with swelling and inflammation is with elevation of the limb. This can be done for 30 minutes 3 times a day. You may use cold compresses for pain relief in addition to over-the-counter pain relief medications like Tylenol. If you experience an excessive amount of pain, you should contact your doctor for help with pain relief.
  • Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for rehabilitation. Your surgeon should give you step by step instructions for your first few days after the surgery. These instructions should be followed as closely as possible as they are designed to help you heal and recover properly.
  • Work up to your regular activities. You don’t want to jump right back into your regular activities after surgery. It’s best to start with light, low impact activity that won’t put a lot of stress on the joint. You can work with your physician and physical therapist to create a plan that will help you work up to your normal activity, while protecting the area from major complications.

At Eminent Medical Center, we make it our mission to provide world class, reputable care to our local and extended community through personal attention and compassion. We are skilled to perform a wide variety of orthopedic surgeries and keep our patients at the forefront. If you’re looking for orthopedic surgery, we would be happy to help you discover the best option for you. Call us today to make an appointment at our facility in Richardson, Texas.

Contact Eminent Medical Center at Any Time

If you’re searching for premier medical treatment in Richardson, Eminent Medical Center wants to deliver for you. Call our genial and qualified staff today to get more information about all of the services we offer. If you have any questions, we’re accessible to chat with you. Contact us today!

 

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