When might I need orthopedic surgery?
Treatment for most orthopedic injuries and conditions begins with conservative therapies such as immobilization, activity modification, and physical therapy.
There are some exceptions, however. For example, your provider at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine may perform immediate surgery to repair complex fractures and ruptured ligaments.
When conservative care isn’t enough, your provider talks with you about surgery. The musculoskeletal conditions most likely to need orthopedic surgery include:
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Dislocated joints
- Tendon and ligament tears
- Meniscus tears
- Cartilage injuries
- Labral tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Synovitis
This list isn’t comprehensive, but it gives you an idea of the wide range of problems that may end up needing surgery. Orthopedic surgery ensures optimal healing and restores full strength and function so you can return to competitive sports and the activities you enjoy.
What type of orthopedic surgery is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique using small incisions. This type of orthopedic surgery is possible with today’s advanced instruments that are narrow enough to fit through tiny incisions.
The most important instrument is the arthroscope, which contains a tiny camera and light. After your provider inserts the arthroscope into your joint, it sends magnified images to a monitor, allowing them to closely examine the tissues.
The team at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine uses arthroscopic surgery to accurately diagnose joint problems and to perform surgery to:
- Repair or remove torn cartilage
- Reconstruct ligaments
- Repair or release tendons
- Remove loose bodies in the joint
- Remove infected or injured tissues
- Realign and stabilize fractures
In many cases, Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine performs joint replacement surgery using minimally invasive techniques.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive orthopedic surgery?
The small incisions cause significantly less trauma compared to traditional open surgery. In many cases, your provider can avoid cutting muscles, leaving the muscles intact by gently separating them just enough to insert instruments.
The benefits you gain include:
- Less bleeding during surgery
- Less pain after surgery
- Lower risk of complications
- Shorter recovery period
- Faster return to sports and daily activities
- Minimal scarring
One of the best benefits is that most minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries occur on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day.
To learn more about orthopedic surgery, call Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, or request an appointment online.
