Exploring the Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries for Improved Mobility

When it comes to your health, orthopedic surgery should be on your radar. Orthopedics is all about taking care of your musculoskeletal system—the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and even your skin. So if you’re dealing with a birth defect, injury, or arthritis, there’s a wide range of orthopedic surgery options available to help you find relief. Here are a few of the most common orthopedic surgeries that can make a significant difference for you.

The 5 Common Orthopedic Surgery Procedures

Below are five orthopedic surgeries that are very common;

Hip replacement surgery

When it comes to your hip, it’s important to understand the impact of wear and tear over time. The ball and socket that make up your hip joint endure a significant amount of strain throughout your life. Unfortunately, as we age, the cartilage in the hip starts to deteriorate. This natural breakdown often leads to a common orthopedic surgery that older adults frequently undergo: hip replacement surgery.

In this procedure, the worn-out ball and socket are replaced with durable materials such as metal or plastic. By replacing the damaged components, the surgery aims to restore proper function, alleviate pain, and enhance your mobility. Hip replacement surgery has become a popular and effective solution for those experiencing discomfort and limited movement due to hip problems.

Knee replacement or arthroscopic surgery

If you’re dealing with extensive damage or arthritis affecting your entire knee joint, a total knee replacement surgery might be recommended for you. This surgical intervention involves the replacement of the entire knee joint with durable metal components, providing renewed stability and improved function.

However, if the damage is limited to specific parts of your knee, a partial knee replacement surgery may be a more suitable option. In this procedure, only the damaged portions of the knee joint are replaced, preserving as much of the healthy tissue as possible. Partial knee replacements offer targeted relief and can be a less invasive alternative to total knee replacements.

For minor knee problems, orthopedic surgeons often turn to knee arthroscopy. This minimally invasive procedure involves the use of a tiny camera, known as an arthroscope, to visualize the inside of the knee joint.

Shoulder & rotator cuff surgery

Replacement surgeries can provide effective solutions similar to hip and knee replacements. Just like in hip and knee replacement surgeries, metal components are utilized to replace either the entire ball and socket of the shoulder (total replacement) or just the damaged portions (partial replacement).

Total shoulder replacement surgery involves the complete replacement of the worn-out ball and socket with durable metal components. This procedure aims to restore the functionality of the shoulder joint, alleviate pain, and improve your range of motion. Partial shoulder replacement, on the other hand, selectively replaces only the damaged areas, preserving as much of the healthy tissue as possible.

Another minimally invasive option for addressing shoulder issues is arthroscopic procedures. During arthroscopy, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the shoulder joint, allowing the orthopedic surgeon to visualize and address specific problems. This approach is often used to “clean up” damaged cartilage or address other issues without the need for installing artificial parts.

Hand & wrist surgeries

Your hands and wrists play a crucial role in your everyday activities, which makes them susceptible to various forms of damage, including injuries, wear and tear, and arthritis. If you’re experiencing issues such as fractures, dislocations in your wrist, hand, or fingers, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, orthopedic surgery can offer effective solutions to rectify these problems.

In cases of fractures or dislocations in your hand, wrist, or fingers, orthopedic surgery can help realign the bones and restore stability. By carefully manipulating and securing the affected bones, the surgeon aims to promote proper healing and regain full functionality in your hand and fingers.

ACL surgery

Your knee’s Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a crucial ligament that is prone to damage or tearing, especially during sports activities. If you’ve experienced an ACL injury, undergoing an orthopedic procedure can help restore stability and function to your knee. This procedure typically involves using a tendon from another area of your body to construct a new ACL for your knee.

During the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will carefully select a suitable tendon graft, often taken from your hamstring or patellar tendon. The chosen graft is then meticulously positioned and secured in place to mimic the role of your original ACL. Over time, the graft will integrate with the surrounding tissues, providing stability and support to your knee joint.

Discover the Various Types of Orthopedic Surgeries

Orthopedic surgery offers a wide range of procedures to address various musculoskeletal issues, from the hip and knee to the shoulder, hand, wrist, and ACL. These surgeries have the potential to significantly improve your quality of life by restoring function, alleviating pain, and enhancing mobility.

However, it’s important to remember that orthopedic surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consulting with a skilled orthopedic specialist is crucial to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific condition. They will guide you through the entire process, from pre-operative evaluations to post-operative care and rehabilitation, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment and support on your journey to recovery.