Common Types of Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery is usually recommended for patients with musculoskeletal conditions that are not responding to conservative treatment. Injury or disease of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons may be treated effectively with orthopedic surgery. A majority of orthopedic surgeries are performed on the spine, hip, knee, elbow, ankle, shoulder, and wrist.

This surgery may be performed either traditionally or with the use of an arthroscope. Traditional open surgery is a more invasive type of procedure, whereas minimally invasive surgery is made possible by an arthroscope, miniature tools, and miniature incisions.

5 Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries

Some of the most frequently performed types of orthopedic surgery are the following:

1.     Joint Replacement Surgery

This procedure entails replacing the damaged joints with an artificial joint called a prosthetic. The prosthetic is made of medical-grade metal, ceramic, and/or plastic. Joint replacement surgeries are either total or partial, depending on how much damage must be repaired by the orthopedic surgeon.

2.     Revision Joint Surgery

A prosthetic joint may wear out over time and need revision surgery, which essentially replaces worn-out prosthetic material with new prosthetic material. Revision surgery may also be necessary if the patient’s body has rejected the material or it has failed to function properly.

In each case, the surgeon can perform a revision joint surgery. The pre-existing implant is replaced with a new one.

3.     Bone Fracture Repair

Most broken bones heal naturally with immobilization and a cast. However, more complex fractures may need surgical assistance for the bone to heal correctly.

Bone fracture repair entails internal fixation, in which the fractured bone fragments are repositioned using plates, screws, and/or pins. In some cases, the artificial materials may remain inside the body after healing.

4.     Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is recommended to patients with problems of the vertebrae. In fusion surgery, the adjacent small bones of the spine are fused together to heal to form a single bone.

As a result, the patient will have a more stable spine, because the motion between the vertebrae will be eliminated. Moreover, a spinal fusion can also help to relieve symptoms of spinal problems such as degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and herniated disc.

5.     Osteotomy

Most often performed on the knee, an osteotomy is a surgical procedure where sections of the bone in a joint are slightly cut to reduce pressure on the joint. It is usually recommended for patients with severe arthritis pain, where the weight pushing on the joint creates pain symptoms and issues with moving the joint. An osteotomy can delay a full joint replacement for a number of years.

Orthopedic Surgery in Maryland

At the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, our team of physicians and specialists provides the most comprehensive orthopedic care in the region. You get world-class medical treatment in our facility with our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and our compassionate approach. Our goal is to turn your disability into ability, and to help you get back to enjoying life again with less pain.

Contact us today by calling us at (410) 644-1880 or (855) 4MD-BONE (463-2663), or request an appointment online now. It is a privilege to serve you in our facility.