4 Procedures Performed by Orthopedic Doctors

Sure, orthopedic doctors mend a lot of broken arms, but they do much more than that as well. There are several areas involved in this branch of surgery, dealing with problems ranging from spine injury to tissue necrosis. Here are four of the most common problems dealt with in this line of specialty.

Carpal Tunnel
Orthopedic doctors are seeing more and more joint and skeletal problems in the hands and wrists due to increased computer use. The tedious and small movements of the wrist, repeated over and over, can result in extreme pain and the inability to function at optimal levels. In many cases, the diagnosis is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is where nerves in the small passageway that connects the bottom of the palm with the wrist become compressed. Surgery can help relieve the compression and return normal functioning to the area, as well as alleviate the pain associated with it.

Knee and Hip Replacement
Joints suffer from a lot of wear and tear over the years, which can be compounded by other problems such as arthritis. When this occurs, many orthopedic doctors find the best remedy is joint replacement. Knee and hip replacement are the two most common and can be performed partially or fully depending on the severity of the situation. Titanium and porous metals are used to manufacture the parts, and continually improved technology has greatly advanced the procedure over the years. While surgeries are generally successful, the recovery process can be painful and rehabilitation can be long and arduous. Prosthetic joints can last for several years or even a lifetime depending on the individual and how well the body is cared for following the procedure.

Debridement
During the healing process after a bone break, infections are possible. An infection can kill the tissue and muscle, which will continue to spread if not removed from the body. Orthopedic doctors perform debridement to clean out infections and promote proper healing. When this procedure is necessary, the surgeon will make an incision into the affected area and carefully select tissue that has undergone necrosis, or death, removing it in an attempt to save as much healthy tissue as possible. The purpose is to stop the progression of the problem as well as save as much function of the area as possible.

Fractures
Any bone crack, break, or crush is considered a facture by orthopedic doctors, and they make up a large bulk of their practice. From kids with sports injuries to the elderly who have suffered from slip and fall accidents, cracked bones are a common sight in the ER. Factures range from simple, clean breaks that repair with the aid of a cast, to complex situations that might even result in amputation. Treatment varies greatly as it depends on the severity and any other associated complications such as tissue and muscle damage. Fractures can be some of the most painful medical conditions, so learning how to deal with highly distressed patients and developing a compassionate beside manner is a must.