Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery may include any procedure specific to the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves within the body's musculoskeletal system. Most orthopedic procedures involving surgery are only recommended when non-surgical pain management techniques like applying heat or ice, physical therapy, temporary bracing, and the use over over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications fail to provide sufficient relief. There are many procedures that may provide relief or significantly ease discomfort.

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery (arthroscopy) is a procedure done to examine the inside of a joint and nearby structures. The minimally invasive technique involves the several small incisions (usually less than 2-3 inches) and the use of special instruments and a tube with a camera attached (endoscope). Arthroscopic surgery may be performed to:

• Get a closer look at what may be wrong with a joint
• Remove debris or bone fragments that may be causing pain
• Remove excess fluid from a joint to restore flexibility

Bone Graft Substitution

Bone graft material is sometimes necessary to provide added stability in knees, arms, lips, and hips. During the procedure, the bone graft is shaped to conform to the area where it will be located. Joints and bones are secured with screws, plates, and pins.

Damaged Cartilage Repair/Removal

Repetitive motions and overuse can cause cartilage to break down over time. Depending on the extent of the damage, cartilage may need to be removed from the ends of bones or removed entirely. If removal is necessary, the patient's cells may be used to encourage new cartilage growth.

Tendon Repair

If a tendon has been torn or damaged, it will need to reattached to the bone to provide proper stability. Surrounding tissues are typically evaluated for signs of damage or wear.

Spine Surgery

We perform a variety of procedures that can restore the stability to spine or relieve pain stemming from damage to the spine itself or supporting discs and joints. Such procedures can be performed with traditional open procedures involving wider incisions or with less invasive surgical techniques that often allow patients to heal and recover faster.

Orthopedic surgery is sometimes recommended to correct damage from progressive wear and tear (degenerative disc disease), spinal deformities, sports-related injuries, and spinal fractures. Surgery may also be performed to ease nerve pressure from narrow open spaces around the spine (spinal stenosis) or from a spine with a sideways curvature (scoliosis). Common orthopedic spine procedures include:

• Fusion surgery
• Partial or complete disc removal (microdiscectomy)
• Removal of the back part of the vertebra (laminectomy)
• The use of special screws to hold bones of the spine and discs together (percutaneous instrumentation)
• Failed spine surgery repair
• Removal of bony growths or tumors

Just because you are referred to an orthopedic surgeon doesn't mean surgery will be your only option. We may make another attempt at trying to diagnosis your pain after discussing what treatments you've already tried. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, additional attempts at conservative treatment may be recommended. If meaningful results still aren't being seen or pain is becoming worse, surgical options may be discussed. Fortunately, many common procedures performed today are less invasive than what was available even a decade ago.