What are the most common types of orthopedic surgery ?

During an orthopaedic surgery, the surgeon focuses on repairing or replacing the damaged part of the musculoskeletal system that comprises bones, muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons. These surgeries are performed after reviewing the condition of the patient based on injuries, trauma, or overall health conditions. In present times, these interventions can be done either by implementing traditional procedures, or minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries giving quicker recovery options.

Here we have discussed some common types of orthopaedic surgeries:

Knee Replacement

One of the most used joints in the body, the knee joint often suffers from severe damage due to suppression or overload. In younger people, obesity is a common reason for the weakening of the joint as it puts excess pressure on the joint than usual. Whereas osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients suffer from wear & tear of joint restricting movement while causing extreme pain and swelling. Depending upon the severity, the surgeon will decide if the patient requires a partial or total knee replacement surgery.

ACL Surgery

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the major ligaments in the knee that often gets damaged or torn while involved in sports activities. Often, sportspeople experience ACL injuries that are treated with the reconstructive surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon will take a tendon from another part of your body and use it to build a new ACL for your knee joint. The surgery isn’t that complicated but requires proper care and physiotherapy to stabilize the joint before returning to the field.

Hip Replacement

Hip replacement is a commonly practised orthopaedic surgery among older adults usually suffering from arthritis. With ageing, the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint go through a lot of wear and tear causing weakening of the joint that becomes prone to breakage.

Today, two types of hip replacement surgery are performed. One is the traditional approach in which the entire ball and socket is replaced with the metal or plastic implants, while in Hip resurfacing only the damaged portion of the joint is replaced with the artificial implants using less invasive methods.

Shoulder Replacement

After knee and hip, shoulder joint replacement is another common orthopaedic surgery. Our shoulder joint is rigorously put under a lot of stress that damages the tendons, ligaments or cartilage. In shoulder replacement the top portion of the humerus (upper arm bone) is removed and replaced with the artificial metal implant. Other damaged parts of the socket are also replaced with plastic prosthetics.

However, if the rotator cuff is damaged, the procedure is reversed. Instead, the metal implant is placed in the socket and the plastic replacement is used on the arm bone with the support of screws & plates.

Arthroscopy

Usually done on the knee or shoulder, Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive orthopaedic surgical procedure allowing a surgeon to make a small incision to insert a small camera attached to its instruments that gives the precise imaging of the damaged joint. Nowadays, arthroscopy is considered as an option before replacement surgeries to know how extensive the damage is, helping surgeons to perform successful surgery.

Joint Fusion

There are chances that one is advised to undergo joint fusion surgery after experiencing severe inflammation pain or swelling due to arthritis or other bone conditions. In this surgical procedure, the surgeon will take out a portion of cartilage from an uninjured part and graft it replacing the damaged part. Once done, the bones tend to become stronger, stabilizing the repaired joint. Joint fusion can be performed on the feet, ankles, wrist, fingers, lower legs or spine.

Ankle Repair

Ankle Repair is a surgical procedure performed if the joint remains unstable after a fracture. Often the bones are not aligned properly even after putting it under cast. In that case, the orthopaedic surgeon will reposition the bone and correct the injury together with artificial implants. Once the surgery is done, the patient has to wear a cast or boot for a week for the right support. After some weeks, the patient will be allowed to put weight on the foot and undergo rehabilitation exercise to regain strength and mobility of the joint.

Spinal Surgeries

Inappropriate body mechanics, accidental injuries, structural abnormalities, or aging have different side effects on your back causing much damage and injuries. Such spinal conditions are not only restricted to the back pain, it can go down to swelling & pain in legs, or numbness and weakness in legs affecting physical movement. Fortunately, there are several procedures including Spinal Fusion, Diskectomy, Laminectomy, Kyphoplasty, Herniated Disc Surgery or Foraminotomy and many others performed with minimal invasive methods. However these procedures are critical as the spine provides central support to the entire skeletal system. You need to consult spine specialists and take different opinions before undergoing any treatment.

Final Thought

Even if you are having serious orthopaedic issues, don’t panic! With the advancement in orthopaedics surgery, there is much improvement in the mobility and the quality of life of patients suffering from orthopaedic issues. Talk to your orthopaedic specialist and get treated to lead a healthier life.

You should visit the best Orthopedic Hospital in Noida which is Prakash Hospital located in the heart of noida sector-33. They have all the advanced equipment and best state of the art treatment for all Orthopedics related issues.