Orthopedic surgery is an operation performed on the musculoskeletal system which is made up of joints, bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. If you want to find out what are the most common orthopedic surgeries are, keep reading. These surgeries will be performed for a variety of reasons, depending on either injury or the condition of the area in question. Orthopedic surgeries can be performed in one of three ways:
- Traditional
- Open surgery
- Arthroscopically, which is named for its use of an arthroscope
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
The musculoskeletal system is in place to help provide our body with support, protect our joints for motion and protect our organs. When an area of the musculoskeletal system is injured or suffers from a health condition, it is important to see an orthopedic doctor to be assessed right away. The most common orthopedic surgeries involve but are not limited to the following injuries or conditions:
- Torn ligaments, in need of soft tissue repair
- Damaged joints, in need of prosthesis
- Bone fractures, in need of repositioning with metal plates, screws, or pins
- Broken bones, fused with grafts
- Spinal fusion of vertebrae
- Bone deformities, corrected with osteotomy
- Damaged soft tissues and bones in need of removal through debridement
TYPES OF SURGERY
The above conditions and associated surgery types each serve a specific purpose. Below is an overview of the different types of most common orthopedic surgery methods.
- Arthroscopy helps to diagnose and treat issues within the joint. A small incision is made to the area where tiny instruments help the surgeons to get a more detailed look at the joint. If joint replacement is needed the surgeon will insert a prosthesis made from either metal, plastic, or ceramic.
- Fusion surgery is chosen when a patient is experiencing severe joint or arthritis pain. This method will ease pain and increase stability by fusing two bones together.
- Osteotomy is a procedure to help repair damaged joints, or reshape bones that do not properly align or have become damaged.
MOST COMMON ORTHOPEDIC SURGERIES
- Wrist
- Carpal tunnel release
- Fracture repair
- Knee
- Replacement
- Arthroscopy and Meniscectomy
- Arthroscopy and Chondroplasty
- Arthroscopy and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
- Shoulder
- Arthroscopy and Decompression
- Distal clavicle excision
- Rotator cuff tendon repair
- Removal of support implant
- Femoral neck fracture
- Hip replacement
- Trochanteric fracture
- Trigger finger release
GREAT LAKES ORTHOPAEDICS
At Great Lakes Orthopaedics, we have a staff of four orthopaedic doctors, that are all fellowship trained and board certified orthopedic surgeons. We care about your ability to live a life comfortably with full range of motion intact. If you are experiencing any pain or difficulties, we are here to discuss your next steps and options.
