Common Orthopedic Procedures in Madison, IN
Whether you suffer an emergent injury or have progressive joint problems that require intervention, an orthopedic procedure can bring incredible relief. Even so, it’s normal to be curious about the surgery and the type of injury or condition it’s intended to correct.
If you’re wondering, “What are common orthopedic surgeries?”, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list to help you understand some of the more routine orthopedic procedures.
Arming yourself with information can help you feel more comfortable about pursuing treatment so you can begin your healing journey. Remember, many conditions that can be corrected with an orthopedic procedure can actually get worse the longer you delay treatment.
6 Common Orthopedic Procedures
If you’re meeting with an orthopedic surgeon or orthopedic specialist in Madison, Indiana, chances are good you may be exploring whether one of these procedures can help:
Knee Replacement
Even with everyday nonathletic use, the knees carry a significant burden, and their constant use makes them exceptionally prone to injury. Often, knee pain is the result of cartilage damage in the joint, which can be caused by bursitis (inflammation of the fluid sacs that cushion your bones), trauma or obesity. The nature of your damage will determine whether a full knee replacement, in which a new artificial joint replaces your original knee joint, or a partial replacement is most appropriate.
Hip Replacement
Hip pain can take a major toll on your quality of life, but hip replacement surgery is a safe, successful solution. Your doctor may recommend hip surgery if your pain limits your activities, making it difficult to do the things you want or need to do. Other reasons a doctor may suggest exploring a hip replacement include hip pain that persists even when you’re resting, hip joints that are so stiff it’s difficult to complete simple tasks like putting on socks, and the fact that you’ve explored other treatment options without relief. During this procedure, the ball and socket that form your hip joint are replaced with artificial versions made of metal or plastic.
Shoulder Replacement
Another joint that sees a lot of wear and tear is your shoulder. This is partly because this joint has a broader range of motion than any other joint in your body. It’s easy to overestimate that range and stretch your shoulder muscle too far; this is what is known as a rotator cuff injury. Other common shoulder problems involve damage to the cartilage or the bones themselves. In some cases, physical therapy can effectively treat rotator cuff tears, but more serious injuries may require surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery can be very similar to knees or hips, with either the entire ball and socket of the joint being swapped for artificial elements or a partial replacement correcting only the damaged tissue.
Arthroscopic Surgery
If your joint pain isn’t related to arthritis or you have a relatively simple injury to repair, you may be a candidate for a hip arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure sometimes recommended instead of a full hip replacement. The procedure involves smaller incisions and uses miniature cameras that help your surgeon pinpoint and repair the problem areas. An arthroscopy may also be an option for other joint replacement procedures for the knee or shoulder.
Fractures
Depending on the complexity of your bone fracture, you may require any number of common orthopedic procedures. One example is bone fusions, in which grafts are used to promote healing by fusing together fractured bones. Similarly, if you sustain a spinal injury or damage your spine, fusion may be used to connect spinal bones (vertebrae) for better stability and healing.
ACL and Other Sports Injuries
Many injuries sustained during athletic activity involve soft tissue damage. Orthopedic remedies for these injuries involve repairing torn ligaments or tendons. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament in the knee that frequently sustains sports-related injuries. In an ACL surgery, surgeons reconstruct your ACL using tendon tissue taken from elsewhere in the body.
Our Approach to Orthopedic Care
At Norton King's Daughters' Health, our expert team of orthopedic doctors provides exceptional orthopedic care for all ages. Getting back to enjoying your life begins with a diagnostic consultation, during which you’ll meet our team, participate in an evaluation and have plenty of time to ask questions.
You can expect us to talk about options for surgery, as well as what to expect after surgery, including how long you should plan to be in recovery and any limitations you should anticipate leading up to and after your surgery. We’ll also discuss what kinds of additional treatment you’ll need, including medication and physical therapy that can enhance your surgical results and help you return to your daily routine more quickly.
Give us a call to request an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors or other providers at Norton King’s Daughters’ Health in Madison, Indiana.