Common Types of Orthopedic Surgery

When it comes to relieving pain in the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves, many orthopedic doctors prefer to take a conservative approach, favoring non-surgical treatments whenever possible. However, in some cases, patients may need to undergo orthopedic surgery, depending on the situation and the degree of damage. Here are some of the most common forms of orthopedic surgery.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that orthopedic doctors use to treat joint issues. It is commonly performed to treat acute damage and pain in the knee, shoulder, or ankle. It is also sometimes used as a diagnostic procedure.

Arthroscopic surgery involves the use of an instrument known as an arthroscope, which is an illuminated optical device with a camera. The arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a small incision so that it can send visual data to a monitor, allowing the orthopedic surgeon to see the operative area without performing open surgery. Using specialized surgical tools that are much smaller than standard surgical tools, the doctor makes the necessary repairs.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Orthopedic knee replacement surgery is generally recommended for patients who have osteoarthritis, typically if they are experiencing severe pain that interferes with their daily activities. Patients who have severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis may experience difficulties doing things as simple as walking or standing up from a seated position. In knee replacement surgery, damaged pieces of bone and cartilage are removed from the joint and replaced with prosthetic replacement parts.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Orthopedic ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that is performed to replace the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is one of the most important ligaments in the knee joint. Located in the front of the knee, the ACL is a band of tissue that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the larger shin bone in the lower leg (tibia). The ACL’s main role in the knee joint is to provide stability by supporting the tibia and keeping it from moving out of place.

The ACL can frequently be torn or damaged when engaging in high-impact, dynamic activities, such as basketball or football. In ACL reconstruction surgery, the damaged ligament is removed and replaced with a tissue graft using a tendon. This tendon may be supplied from another part of the patient’s body or a donor.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery is an orthopedic procedure that involves removing damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replacing them with implants, typically made from metals or plastics. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which is a type of joint where the rounded end of one bone is contained within the hollow cavity of another bone, creating the ability for dynamic movement.

In orthopedic shoulder replacement surgery, either the ball or the sockets can be replaced, or both, depending on what the situation calls for. Some of the most common causes of shoulder joint damage include fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and osteoarthritis.

Hip Replacement Surgery

Orthopedic hip replacement surgery is generally recommended for patients who have conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, both of which can cause damage to the various parts of the hip joint, leading to pain and disruptions to everyday life. In hip replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the hip joint are excised and replaced with prosthetic parts made from metal, hard plastics, or ceramics. This helps to improve function and reduce pain.

Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is a group of procedures that address pain in the back and/or neck. In many cases, back, neck, and spine pain can be treated without surgery, but some conditions do call for surgical intervention. There are many different types of spinal procedures, depending on the type, location, and cause of the pain. Some of the most common back, neck, and spine surgical procedures include:

• Spinal fusion, in which two or more vertebrae are fused together to prevent motion between them
• Vertebroplasty, in which compression fractures in the spine are repaired using bone cement
• Spinal laminectomy, in which part or all of a vertebral bone is removed, relieving pressure on the spinal cord
• Discectomy, in which a herniated disc that is pushing on the roots of a nerve or the spinal cord is removed.

Advanced Orthopedic Care and Surgery in Hudson County, NJ

The doctors of The Orthopedic Health Center treat all kinds of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries using a conservative approach, including non-surgical and minimally invasive orthopedic treatments. Whether your condition requires surgery or can be treated through other orthopedic techniques, our doctors can prepare a highly individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific pain and needs. With locations in Hoboken and Jersey City, residents of New Jersey are never far from exceptional orthopedic surgical care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.