From feet to knee to hip, an orthopedic surgeon performs a wide variety of surgical procedures to help you repair, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. If you have experienced sports injury or have broken your hip bone in an accident, only a professional orthopedic surgeon can help.
Keep on reading to find out how can you determine if you need an orthopedic surgeon.
When it is the Right Time to See the Surgeon
It is worth noting that not all bone or joint injuries need a surgery. Most of them cause mild pain or swelling that can easily be treated with traditional treatments and medications. These may include physical therapy or steroid injections.
From primary care physician to medicine specialist, anyone can recommend the treatment for minor injuries. However, if you experience an arthritis-related damage or fracture or you still feel no improvement in pain after weeks of traditional treatment, it is time you should see a qualified and professional orthopedic surgeon.
In case of severe traumatic injuries like ACL tear, only highly-trained surgeons such as Dr. Derek Hill can help the patients. Based on the imaging test results such as MRI, CT scans, X-rays, and symptoms of the patient, the surgeon recommend the next step including Knee Replacement surgery.
The primary focus of an orthopedic surgeon is to cure mobility loss, improve physical independence, and pain affecting patients’ ability to perform routine activities.
Orthopedic Surgery- What are the Procedures
Experienced orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Derek Hill offers the most advanced and effective procedures and treatments that often include minimally invasive joint surgeries. The purpose is to ensure the full recovery of the patients.
Regardless of the surgical approach patient opt for, he or she has to spend a few days in the medical facility. It allows him or her to get a quicker recover and experience less pain.
Here is a list of some of the most common orthopedic surgery procedures.
When there is severe damage to your joint such as hip, knees, ankle, and shoulder, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend full or partial joint replacement surgery. The process is invasive depending on the severity of the bone injury.
During the procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged surfaces of the joint with plastic component and manmade metal. At Dr. Hill’s clinic, you can get the latest surgical treatments for your knee and hip replacement.
Knee Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a surgery type where surgeon places small instruments via punctures in the knee to repair or remove damaged tissues. It is an effective surgical process that helps relieve severe swelling and pain in the joints. The surgery can also prevent or avert further joint damage.
Most of the times torn meniscus or damaged cartilage disc in the knee is the common reason why surgeons recommend knee arthroscopy.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
It is common shoulder surgery in which surgeon uses a video camera and equipment to make small incisions. The use of camera is necessary during the surgery as it helps doctors view the tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and bones. The procedure is also effective for cuff repair, shoulder instability, and impingement syndrome.
Summing Up
In a nutshell, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon in case of severe joint damage. If you’re not sure whether you should visit an orthopedic surgeon, make an appointment with Dr.Hill and get the expert opinion.
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