Understanding Different Orthopaedic Surgery Types: What You Need to Know
What are Orthopaedic Surgery Types?
Orthopaedic surgery types are classified according to the area of the body they treat, the nature of the injury or condition being addressed, and the approach taken by the surgeon. All these can vary from minimally invasive surgery to complex operations, including joint replacement or spinal surgery. The aim of each surgery is the improvement of function, reduction of pain, and regaining mobility in patients who are suffering from musculoskeletal problems. Let’s explore some of the most common orthopaedic surgery types:
Joint Replacement Surgery:
Joint Replacement is one of the most common orthopaedic surgery types. If you’re suffering from joint pain that is not getting better, then this surgery might be the best solution for you. The surgery includes the replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial one made of plastic, metal, or even ceramic. The most common joint replacement surgery is knee and hip replacement surgery.
However, replacing joints is not the only solution; in some cases, joint reconstruction can also be an option if the joint doesn’t need a complete replacement. In joint reconstruction, joints are restored to their normal mobility by repairing the tissues and realigning the joints without replacing them entirely.
Both treatments are used to reduce pain and enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from joint pain.
Arthroscopic Surgery:
Arthroscopic surgery is another commonly used orthopaedic surgery type, and it is recommended for patients diagnosed with joint pain. This is a minimally invasive surgery in which a small camera known as an arthroscope is used to look inside the joint, and the recovery time is also less than that of a typical open surgery. This surgery is of different types based on the body part it treats.
For example, knee arthroscopy treats wear and tear, damaged cartilage removal, and other knee-related issues. Some other examples are shoulder, ankle, and elbow arthroscopy. Although arthroscopy is a less invasive surgery than an open surgery, certain cases require large incisions and longer recovery time traditionally related to an open surgery.
Spinal Surgery:
The most critical category of orthopaedic surgery types is spinal surgery. Performed on patients with severe spinal conditions like nerve compression, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, etc, when conservative therapies like medication fail to give positive results. Different types of spinal surgery are used, depending on the disease and severity of the condition.
- Spinal Fusion: The most common spine-related surgery is spinal fusion, which is used for the treatment of a variety of spinal issues. Spinal fusion includes fusing two vertebrae together to enhance mobility and reduce pain.
- Disc Replacement: The damaged spinal or vertebral disc is replaced by an artificial one in disc replacement. This method is most commonly used for younger patients to ensure more flexibility and mobility.
Sports Medicine Surgery:
If you are an athlete or play a sport, then you must be aware of how common sports people face injury. Sports medicine surgery is one of the different orthopaedic surgery types, and the focal point is the treatment of sports-related injuries. Sports Medicine surgery also has a variety:
- Tendon and Ligament Repair: The most common sports injuries are related to wear and tear of the tendon or ligament. Treatments like tendon repair or ligament repair help reduce pain, allowing an athlete to return to their normal.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: For athletes with shoulder injuries, a minimally invasive arthroscopic intervention helps treat a torn rotator cuff. This surgery helps repair function and ensures an athlete can get back into sport after injury.
- ACL reconstruction: ACL stands for anterior circulate ligament, the key ligament in the knee that can be torn during sports like football, basketball, or skiing. Removing the torn ligament and replacing it with a graft is a key method in Sports Medicine surgery that helps in regaining knee strength and stability.
Fracture Repair Surgery:
Fractures are broken bones that happen due to injuries. Minor fractures do not require surgery. However, serious fractures need surgical intervention. Fracture repair surgery is used to realign and stabilise broken bones for proper healing of such fractures.
Common techniques are Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF), where screws, plates, or rods are applied to stabilise fractures in areas like the arms, legs, or pelvis. For complex fractures, metal rods or pins may be used outside the body to keep bone fragments in place; this is known as external fixation.
Another type of procedure, intramedullary nailing, involves placing a metal rod down the marrow cavity of longer bones, such as the femur and tibia, to stabilise the fracture. These prevent problems such as malunion and achieve full range of motion in patients.
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery:
Certain congenital conditions are treated under this type of orthopaedic surgery. Paediatric orthopaedic surgeries aim to correct deformities like Scoliosis, club foot, and knock knee. These congenital conditions can impact a child’s development and need to be treated to give these kids a better quality of life. For example, Scoliosis is a spinal condition in which the spine is bent at an improper angle; paediatric spinal surgery helps them realign their spine.
Wrapping Up
Understanding different orthopaedic surgery types leads you to the right treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Joint replacement, sports medicine surgery, and tendon repair are just some of the orthopaedic surgical treatments that can help alleviate this pain. These surgical interventions could simply see you going back to life – functional and free of pain. So, if you are having difficulty dealing with musculoskeletal pain, don’t hesitate to consult an orthopaedic surgeon near you for the best solution possible.
