Orthopedic surgery involves any operation done on the musculoskeletal system. The system comprises your muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Orthopedic surgeons perform [1] various kinds of orthopedic surgeries. Traditional procedures are now being replaced with minimally invasive surgeries that come with quicker recovery times and less pain.
Here are the most common orthopedic procedures.
Joint Replacement
Among [2] the most common orthopedic procedures is joint replacement. The surgery involves replacing an injured joint using a prosthetic. The most common joint replacement surgeries include knee, shoulder, and hip replacement procedures.
Knee Replacement
The knee is among the most used joints in the human body, which means it’s likely to be over-used leading to injuries. Orthopedics can either partially or totally replace the knee joint using an artificial one.
Mostly, knee replacement is necessary since the damage may be restricting the patient’s movement or leaving you in pain whenever you move. Various reasons can lead to knee injuries, including bursitis, knee trauma, and obesity.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
In this procedure, the surgeon takes out the top part of the humerus (upper arm bone) and replaces it with a metal ball. The damaged part of the socket is then removed and replaced with a plastic prosthesis. The ligaments and tendons in the shoulder ( rotator cuff) hold everything together.
However, if the rotator cuff is damaged, the surgeon has to perform a reverse shoulder replacement procedure. He places the metal ball in the socket and places the plastic prosthesis on top of the patient’s humerus. Everything is then held in place by plates and screws.
Hip Replacement
The pelvis (hip bones) are connected to the femur (thigh bone) by a ball-and-a-socket joint. The pelvis makes the socket which is called the acetabulum while the femur forms the ball portion known as the femoral head. When you have healthy hips, everything is in its place with cartilage that helps the joint move smoothly.
Orthopedics perform two types of hip replacement operations. In the traditional approach, the surgeon replaces the whole ball and socket joint with a plastic or metal prosthesis. However, in the Birmingham hip resurfacing procedure, only the damaged portions get replaced, which makes the surgery less invasive. It also helps the joint to heal much faster.
ACL Surgery
ACL or the Anterior Cruciate Ligament is a major part of the knee running diagonally across the front part. The ligament helps keep you stable whenever you rotate your leg. However, if the ligament gets torn, you need reconstructive surgery to repair it.
ACL surgery involves the surgeon getting part of a tendon from somewhere else in your body and grafting it onto your damaged ACL. The procedure is considered minor since a patient can go back home the same day after the operation. They are advised to follow the RICE home remedy method that includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Athletes who undergo ACL surgery are advised to be patient and let the ligament heal fully before getting back to playing their favorite sports. It can take them up to a year before they are fully healed.
Conclusion
While there’re numerous orthopedic surgeries, these are the most common ones. Are you in need of an orthopedic procedure? Visit [3] Great Lakes Orthopedics. We offer highly specialized orthopedic treatments across the Great Lakes area. Our orthopedic surgeons are board-certified with extensive experience.
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