Orthopaedic Treatment

What Do Orthopaedic Doctors Treat?

While orthopaedists treat a broad assortment of ailments, the most common issues include:

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• bone fractures
• muscle strains
• joint pain
• back pain
• arthritis
• tendons injuries
• ligaments injuries
• tendonitis
• ACL tears
• limb abnormalities
• bone cancer

What Is Considered An Orthopaedic Emergency?

They are acute injuries that come from sudden trauma or are the results of complications with an existing condition.

One of the most common emergencies that come on suddenly is a broken bone. To prevent it from going from bad to worse, it is vital to see a doctor for an alignment, splint, cast, or possible surgery in a case like this. Other common emergencies in concussions, dislocations, and tendon ruptures

Emergencies that may arise from an existing condition include infections, blood clots, reinjury of damaged tissue or bone, and swelling that affect blood flow.

If you experience sudden pain while doing sports, it is best to visit a sports injury specialist as soon as possible for treatment to prevent your injury from getting worse.

Is Orthopaedic Surgery Always Necessary?

There is a common misconception that doctors will always recommend surgery, regardless of the condition. While there are certainly cases where the injury is so severe that surgery is truly imperative, it is not the only type of care offered by specialists.

Non-surgical treatments are usually the first course of action. Your doctor may recommend a wide range of surgery alternatives. Let’s look at a few of them.

Physical Therapy for Injuries

Exercise for such conditions is one of the most powerful alternatives to surgery. Depending on your medical history and condition, you may find physical therapy offers a comprehensive solution. With a strategic workout plan, you can improve and maintain your strength while increasing your range of motion and flexibility.

Take a look at some exercises you can do to relief back pain and improve shoulder mobility.

Lifestyle Change for Conditions

In addition to physical therapy, your doctor may recommend improving your diet, walking more, and making other healthy changes to prevent complications with your condition.

Immobilisation for Trauma 

For certain conditions, your doctor may recommend a cast, splint, or brace to prevent additional damage and help the area heal.

Medication for Pain

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin can provide a temporary solution to relieve the pain. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids.

What to Expect During an Orthopaedic Surgery

If your injury is severe or doesn't improve with nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. Keep on reading to see an overview of the most common types of surgery.

Joint Replacement Surgery

When a joint is damaged or diseased, joint replacement surgery may be necessary. Joint replacement surgery is incredibly common, particularly surgeries like hip replacement and knee replacement.

Internal Fixation Surgery

With some types of injuries, your doctor may find that hardware like a screw, pin, or rod is necessary to help your bone stay in place while it’s healing. In this case, you will be recommended for internal fixation surgery.

Fusion Surgery

In the case of injuries where two bones need to be connected, your doctor will recommend fusion surgery. During this surgery, the surgeon will create an internal connection between the bones that will cause them to fuse into one during the healing process.

Release Surgery

To relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and prevent it from getting worse, your doctor may recommend release surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon clips through a ligament to release pressure and allow your hand to open up more.

Soft Tissue Repair Surgery

Soft tissue surgeries are done to improve joint stability. During this procedure, your surgeon can strategically repair muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Osteotomy

A common surgery for arthritis is an osteotomy. During this procedure, the bone is cut and then repositioned to reduce pain after the healing process.