Do You Need Orthopedic Surgery?
If you suffer from continued tendon, muscle, or joint pain you have probably considered orthopedic surgery at one time or another. More than 28 million Americans develop some type of musculoskeletal problem each year. These issues include sports injuries such as sprains, but also strains, and overuse injuries. Perhaps you have knee pain on a daily basis or an old injury that just doesn’t seem to be healing? These are all common reasons to visit an orthopedic surgeon near you. But does it actually mean you need surgery?
Many people think that medication is the only solution and sometimes it is. But often, you need to ask yourself: Do I need to see an orthopaedic doctor? An orthopedic doctor specializes in pain, diseases and injuries to the musculoskeletal system. They play a critical role in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions, especial those that impact our quality of life. They handle everything from minor injuries, such as a sprained ankle, to complex procedures and surgeries such as arthroscopic shoulder surgery to knee replacement and full hip replacement. Today, they use techniques such as robotic arm assisted surgery (MAKO). This allows the surgeon to use 3D modeling to pre-plan and assist in performing the most accurate orthopaedic procedure possible.
Orthopedic Doctors Help Determine When or If You Need Surgery
A good Orthopedic doctor will use surgery as a last resort. They use non-invasive treatments including PRP joint injections, medication and physical therapy to delay surgery as long as possible. However, when these treatments no longer provide relief for pain and greater mobility, they may recommend surgery. They also perform a variety of arthroscopic procedures, which allow them to see and resolve problems inside a joint.
Joint pain and lack of mobility are not something you need to handle on your own. Yes, pain can be a normal part of aging but it’s not something you just need to accept. The quality of your life demands more interaction. In short, that means finding the right treatment at the right time. At Dr. Terance Delaney MD, surgery is recommended only when nonsurgical treatment measures have failed to provide relief or the issue is too severe.
Non-Surgical Orthopedic Procedures
- Fluid drainage, otherwise known as aspiration
- PRP injections
- Stem cell joint injections
- Joint manipulation
- Bracing or casting
- Visco supplementation to treat arthritis
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
- Lumbar sympathetic block
Surgical Orthopedic Procedures
- Joint replacement surgery
- Joint revision surgery
- Arthroscopy
- Spinal surgery to relieve pressure off nerves
- Disc replacement surgery and spinal fusion surgery
- Soft tissue repair, such as procedures to repair torn or ruptured tendons or ligaments
- Bone fracture repair
- Osteotomy to correct bone deformity
- Debridement or removal or damaged tissue or bone
- excision or removal of bone and soft tissue tumors
The earlier you are able to get advice about joint pain, the sooner you may be able to start treating the problem. Early treatment prevents a problem from becoming more severe. A consultation with an orthopedic surgeon will isolate the problem, narrow down the cause and explain treatment options. Pain management including medication and/or injections, rehabilitation and physical therapy will often be a part of the outcome. Orthopedic surgery should not be a rush to judgement.