Many non-traumatic orthopedic conditions respond to medical treatment such as medication, physical therapy and exercise. However, if conservative management of a condition no longer provides an individual with acceptable quality of life then orthopedic surgery should be considered.
Arthroscopy Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of a joint. Currently more than 30 percent of all orthopedic surgeries performed in the United States are performed with an arthroscope.
The arthroscope is a small fiber-optic tube that is inserted into a ¼-inch incision in the body. It consists of a system of lenses, a small video camera, and a light for viewing. Connected to a television monitoring system that allows a surgeon to view the operation while it is being performed, the arthroscope is generally used in conjunction with other working tools (for grasping, cutting, and probing) that are inserted through another small incision.
Recovery time depends on the individual patient and extent of the surgery. However, most arthoscopic surgery is done on an outpatient basis, and patients are allowed to go home within hours after surgery. The small puncture wounds created by the arthroscope and probing tool(s) will take several days to heal but some patients resume daily activities and return to work or school within a few days.
Total joint procedures Joint replacement is a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint (called prosthesis). This type of surgery is usually considered after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.
Recovery after surgery After surgery, patients can usually begin exercises to regain range-of-motion and flexibility, and are given a prescription for physical therapy provided through outpatient, Home Health, skilled nursing, or rehabilitation facility visits. If any stitches or staples were used during the procedure, they can normally be removed in a few weeks.
Safety modifications Making safety modifications to your home can help you during your recovery. Depending on each person's physical circumstances, patients and their families may want to consider making modifications to the home environment, such as:
