Verified By December 11, 2024
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 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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
November 17, 2024