The human body is made of complex systems that need to work in tandem for optimal functionality. One of those frameworks is the musculoskeletal system, an intricate network of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, all important for movement, stability, and support. Issues within this system can significantly impact our daily lives, causing pain, limited mobility, and difficulty performing even the most basic activities.
This is where orthopedic surgery comes into the picture. As a specialized field of medicine, orthopedic surgery focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. The orthopedic surgeons at Georgia Spine & Orthopedics boast extensive training and expertise. This ensures they are equipped to address a wide range of issues, from repairing fractures to alleviating chronic pain.
So, if you have been struggling with pain and mobility problems, do not hesitate to reach out by calling 678-929-4494.
What Is Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic surgery involves the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Orthopedic surgeons utilize surgical and non-surgical techniques to address a wide range of issues, aiming to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further damage.
There are many myths about orthopedic surgery. For example, many people believe that all orthopedic surgeries are invasive and require a prolonged recovery time when there are a variety of minimally invasive procedures that offer reduced pain and faster healing.
What Are the Common Reasons for Needing Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic surgery is often necessary when non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or assistive devices fail to alleviate pain or improve function. The need for the procedure can arise due to various factors. Some of the most common reasons include:
Injuries
Sprains, fractures, dislocations, and torn ligaments are all potential reasons to seek orthopedic intervention. These injuries can be sustained during falls, overuse, sports injuries, and other accidents. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of Orthopedic injuries.
Spinal Disorders
Back pain is a common issue, and sometimes, underlying conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or scoliosis might require surgery for treatment.
Arthritis
This is a degenerative condition that affects joints, that may cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation. In severe cases, orthopedic surgery may be necessary to replace the damaged joint with an artificial one.
Congenital Conditions
Some individuals are born with musculoskeletal abnormalities that require surgical correction to improve function or prevent future complications.
Tumors
While uncommon, benign or malignant tumors in the bones or soft tissues can necessitate surgery for removal or treatment.
When Do You Need to See an Orthopedic Surgeon?
So, how do you know it is time to see an orthopedic surgeon? Here are some telltale signs:
Chronic Pain
We all experience pain, but there is a difference between a sore muscle after a workout session and pain that just won’t go away. If you have been experiencing pain in your muscles, bones, or joints for more than 3 months, it is time to consult an orthopedic surgeon, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Limited Range of Motion
Joints are designed to necessitate movement! So, if you find it challenging to bend your elbow all the way, raise your arm overhead, or squat down comfortably, that’s a red flag. A limited range of motion can make everyday activities a chore and could be caused by injury, arthritis, or other issues. An orthopedic surgeon can help get to the root of the problem and get your joints moving smoothly again.
Instability When Walking or Standing
If you are feeling wobbly while walking or standing, it could be a sign of weakness, a balance problem, or an injury to your bones, joints, or muscles. Don’t risk a fall! An orthopedic surgeon can check your stability and recommend treatments to get you feeling steady on your feet again.
Soft Tissue Injury That Has Not Improved After 48 Hours
Most minor muscle strains and sprains get better with a little rest, ice, and compression. However, if you injured yourself and the pain, swelling, or bruising hasn’t improved after 48 hours, it’s wise to see an orthopedic surgeon. They can rule out any serious injuries and get you on the road to recovery.
What Are Some of the Common Types of Orthopedic Surgery?
There are many types of orthopedic surgery designed to address different conditions. Some of the most common ones are as follows.
Bone Grafting Surgery
Bone grafting surgery is a procedure where healthy bone tissue is transplanted to a site where bone is missing, damaged, or weakened. This transplanted bone can come from the patient themselves (autograft), a donor (allograft), or a synthetic bone substitute.
Bone grafting plays a crucial role in various orthopedic surgeries, including the examples below.
- Fracture repair: If a fracture results in substantial bone loss, the procedure can be done to fill the gap and encourage healing.
- Fusion procedures: In spinal fusion or certain joint fusions, bone grafting helps create a bridge between bones, promoting their growth together for improved stability.
- Dental procedures: Bone grafting may also be required to provide a strong foundation for dental implants.
Fracture Repair Surgery
Fractures, or broken bones, are a common reason for seeking orthopedic care. The type of fracture repair surgery performed depends on the severity of the break, the location of the bone, and the patient’s overall health.
For more complex fractures, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) might be required to access the broken bones directly. During the procedure, the surgeon uses plates, screws, pins, or rods to hold the bones in place while they heal.
External fixation involves placing wires or pins through the skin and attaching them to a metal frame outside the body to stabilize the fracture.
Spinal Fusion
This procedure is used to correct issues with the small bones in the spine, also referred to as vertebrae. Basically, spinal fusion ‘’welds’’ multiple vertebrae together, allowing them to heal into a single, solid bone. This is typically done to eliminate painful motion caused by damaged discs or to stabilize the spine after a severe injury.
It can be necessary to address different spinal conditions, including the ones below.
- A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushion between vertebrae bulges or ruptures, causing pain and nerve compression. Spinal fusion can help hamper further herniation.
- Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one vertebra over another, potentially causing instability and pain. The procedure helps provide stability and prevents further slippage.
- Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal due to bone spurs or ligament thickening, which impinges nerves, leading to pain and weakness. Spinal fusion helps create more space within the canal.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an endoscope to access and treat spinal conditions through small incisions. This technique offers benefits such as reduced muscle damage, less postoperative pain, quicker recovery, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open spine surgery. It is often used to treat conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other degenerative spine disorders.
Disc Replacement
Disc replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged spinal disc is replaced with an artificial one to maintain mobility and relieve pain. This technique aims to preserve the natural movement of the spine, unlike traditional spinal fusion which restricts motion. It is commonly used to treat conditions like degenerative disc disease and severe disc herniation.
Joint Replacement Surgery
As the name implies, joint replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis. Knee replacement surgery and hip replacement surgery are common examples.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery is also done in two ways: The traditional way entails replacing the whole ball and socket joint with a prosthesis made of metal or plastic. On the other hand, the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing method only replaces the damaged sections of the joint, making the surgery less invasive and resulting in a shorter recovery period.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
This is a surgical procedure designed to repair or reconstruct a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is one of the four major ligaments in the knee. This surgery is often performed on athletes who have injured their ACL.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems such as inflammation, torn ligaments, or cartilage damage. It involves inserting a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions, resulting in faster recovery times and less scarring.
Knee Arthroscopy
This is another minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to diagnose and treat complications inside the knee joint. The procedure is usually used to repair torn cartilage, remove loose fragments of bone, or trim overgrown tissue.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat problems inside the shoulder joint. This surgery is primarily done to repair torn rotator cuff tendons, trim overgrown tissue, and remove loose bone fragments.
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful wrist condition that results from pressure on the median nerve. Two surgical methods are commonly used to alleviate this pressure, relieve pain, and restore full function to the wrist and hand.
- Endoscopic Surgery: Here, the surgeon uses a tiny camera (endoscope) to visualize the interior of the carpal tunnel. The ligament is then cut through small incisions made in the wrist or hand to release the pressure.
- Open Surgery: In this method, the surgeon creates an incision in the palm over the carpal tunnel. Through this incision, the ligament is cut to free the nerve.
Preparing for Orthopedic Surgery
Preparing for orthopedic surgery is essential to help ensure a smooth experience and a successful recovery. Start by having a thorough discussion with your surgeon and medical team at Georgia Spine & Orthopedics. Ask questions about the surgery process, what to expect on the day, and how long recovery might take. Make sure to understand any specific instructions, such as when to stop eating before surgery or which medications to avoid beforehand.
This preparation will give you peace of mind and help avoid any unexpected issues. You may also need pre-surgical tests, like blood work or imaging, to help your surgeon plan the procedure.
Recovery from Orthopedic Surgery
Physical therapy after orthopedic surgery helps restore strength, flexibility, and function in the affected area. By working with trained therapists, you’ll gradually improve mobility and minimize stiffness, setting a solid foundation for long-term healing.
Post-operative rehabilitation may include a combination of exercises, lifestyle adjustments, and follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. The team at Georgia Spine & Orthopedics will guide you through each stage, ensuring that you’re supported and informed throughout the journey.
Get the Right Orthopedic Treatment and Therapy in Atlanta!
Orthopedic surgery plays a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Whether it’s chronic pain, limited mobility, instability, or a persistent soft tissue injury, an orthopedic surgeon can provide the necessary treatment to help improve your quality of life.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, do not hesitate to contact our skilled orthopedic surgeons in Atlanta. Our team at Georgia Spine & Orthopedics boasts extensive training and expertise. By calling 678-929-4494, you’ll be taking the first step towards a healthier and more active life.
