Orthopedics is the field of medicine that involves the musculoskeletal system.
It is the complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Our first line of defense at Central Orthopedics is always nonsurgical treatment. Physical Therapy referrals, casting, splinting, and injections are a few. Unfortunately though, sometimes it is inevitable. That’s where our experienced, board-certified providers come in.
Surgical Necessity
The human body is fascinating. Strong and resilient, yet fragile at the same time. Trauma causes injury to the body. This can affect your quality of life. Disease can also cause injury to the body.
Reasons for Orthopedic Surgery:
Trauma
- Car Accidents
- Sports Injuries
- Dislocated Joints
- Broken Bones & Fractures
- Torn Tendons
Idiopathic
- Degenerative Diseases
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
Common Types of Surgery
The different kinds of Orthopedic surgeries are vast. If it involves a muscle, bone, or joint- it’s eligible for an orthopedic injury.
1. Back surgeries
The spine consists of 33 separate vertebrae and an array of connecting muscles. It is the literal backbone of the human body and protects the spinal cord. Spinal injuries are incredibly serious. Failure to get treatment may result in permanent damage. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces between your vertebrae narrow. The cushioning disintegrates and the bones end up rubbing on one another. The spine is an intricate web of nerves. When the cushioning disappears, increased pressure is put on the nerve. Further, this causes extreme pain. Consequently, spinal fusions are performed. Fusions connect two separate vertebrae to make one. They are necessary to improve stability in some cases. It can also be done to reduce chronic pain. Disc herniations, also called slipped or bulging discs may require surgery as well.
2. Shoulder Surgeries
Two joints make up the shoulder. Approximately eight muscles and four tendons work together to stabilize the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a collection of four muscles in the shoulder. Damage occurs from trauma or repeated activity. This is a very common injury and often times warrants surgery. Injured parts of the shoulder joint are removed in a total replacement. Afterward, an artificial joint is placed. This ensures smooth and painless movement. Adhesive Capsulitis, more commonly known as ‘frozen shoulder’, can also be treated with surgery. Often times this condition is a result of prior injury to the affected arm.
3. Hand Surgeries
Shockingly, the hand has 27 bones in it. This leaves a lot of potential for injury. Carpal Tunnel is a common condition. An increase in pressure on the nerve causes it. It is very painful and can be debilitating for some. Relieving pressure is the common goal of surgery. Surgery for this condition focuses on relieving pressure in the narrow carpal tunnel passageway. Trigger finger is a condition in which bumps form on the tendon. Certainly, it can be very painful. The nodules are removed surgically. Nerve repair is also a common surgery for hands. Being that we use our hands constantly, the potential for impingements of the nerves is high.
4. Hip Surgeries
The hip connects the leg to the trunk of the body. It consists of two different bones, over 15 muscles, and two tendons. Comparably to the shoulder, the hip is also a ball and socket joint. Any injury or malfunction of the hip directly affects the movement of the upper leg. Replacement is the most prevailing hip surgery. The joint stops functioning correctly. This can be due to injury or disease. A partial or total replacement is needed. Arthroscopy may be performed first in an attempt to reduce pain and restore function.
5. Knee Surgeries
There are four bones, four muscles, and a meshwork of tendons and ligaments in the knee. It’s not surprising that knee injuries make up a good portion of orthopedic injuries. All of our weight and gravity is pushing down on these two joints every time we walk, run or move. The meniscus is a cushioning piece of cartilage that sits right at the center of the knee. Meniscus injuries are common. The repair can occur in many ways. So options include meniscectomy, meniscus repair, or transplant surgery. ACL injuries are common and painful. Consequently, the severity of the injury may require surgery. Knee replacement is another common procedure. This procedure may be total or partial. Removal of the nonfunctioning joint occurs. Joints made from metal replace the faulty ones. Our very own Dr. Carter specializes in knee surgeries.
Arthroscopic vs Open Surgery
Arthroscopy was first utilized in the 1950s but has become increasingly more popular and efficient in the last three decades. Referred to as minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy has a lot of benefits. Arthroscopy involves a surgeon, a camera, and tools that act as the surgeon’s hands. The incisions made are the size of buttonholes. The surgeon can see everything inside the body on a high-definition screen. The incisions are compact. Therefore recovery time is reduced. Arthroscopy isn’t for everyone, however. This method is only valid for certain procedures. Most commonly they are knee, shoulder, and ankle surgery. Dr. Barbash and Dr. Kerker are among our arthroscopic experts here at Central Orthopedic.
Not all surgeries are possible with arthroscopy. Open surgery is what many of us are familiar with. It is the more traditional type of surgery. There are pros and cons to every procedure in medicine. Most notably with open surgery in the increased healing time. Due to larger-sized incisions, the potential for infection may be greater. Contrarily, a total joint replacement would not be safely or properly done with arthroscopy. Therefore open surgery is still an efficient and safe choice in repairing multiple injuries and illnesses.
What You Need To Know
Altogether, no matter what injury you find yourself with, we are ready to help. Central Orthopedics has been helping Long Islanders for years. Nonsurgical and surgical interventions alike, our doctors and PA’s are ready to get you back to your highest level of functioning. No one deserves to live with discomfort and pain for longer than they have to.