The Role of Orthopedic Surgeons

Orthopedics is the branch of medicine related to diseases, damages and conditions of the musculoskeletal system or the body’s muscles and skeleton. This structure also comprises of the joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Meanwhile, orthopedic surgeons are the medical specialists who are responsible for preventive and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system.

About Orthopedic Surgery and Surgeon

Experts insist that the exact name of this medical specialty is actually orthopedic surgery and not orthopedics. However, orthopedics is the commonly known and accepted term for the purpose. As a line of specialists, orthopedic surgery is made up of surgeons (knee specialist, shoulder specialist and so on) and other healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive orthopedic services.This line of expertise provides treatment for diseases, damages, fractures and pain. In addition, orthopedists also take care of rehabilitation programs for the physically disabled and participate in ongoing musculoskeletal study.

Orthopedic Surgeons/Physicians – Key Roles

The main roles of an orthopedic surgeon/physician can be divided into the following sub-heads:

Diagnostic and assessment technique Treatment Research

Here we have discussed each and every role in detail to facilitate a better understanding of an orthopedic surgeon/physician’s role and functions.

Diagnostic Role

A vast number of patients visit their orthopedic surgeon/physicians every year for a series of ailments, disorders and medical conditions. There are a vast number of conditions that have an impact on our body’s musculoskeletal system, which need clinical care by an orthopedic surgeon.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon Treat?

An orthopedic surgeon treats musculoskeletal conditions without operation, by using medications, exercise and other rehabilitative or alternative therapies. If required, he/she may also recommend surgical treatment.

Some of the conditions and diseases an orthopedic surgeon treatment includes:

• Abnormalities of the fingers and toes
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Ruptured disks, Back pain, sciatica and scoliosis
• Bone tumors, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
• Fractures and dislocations
• Growth abnormalities
• Tendon injuries, pulled muscles, bursitis and torn cartilage
• Torn ligaments, sprains and strains
• Club foot, bunions, bow legs, knock knees and unequal leg length
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sports or work-related injuries

Arthroscopy: A Surgical Procedure

Arthroscopy is a surgical method that orthopedic surgeons use to visualize, diagnose, and treat injuries inside a joint. The word Arthroscopy comes from two Greek words that are: “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). The term literally means “to look within the joint.”

What is an arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopy is a technique for diagnosing and treating joint problems. A surgeon inserts a very narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision — about the size of a buttonhole. The vision inside your joint is transmitted to a high-definition video monitor. Arthroscopy lets the surgeon to see inside your joint without making a large incision. Orthopaedic Surgeons can even repair some types of joint injuries during arthroscopy, with pencil-thin surgical instruments inserted through additional small incisions.

When is knee arthroscopy recommended?

Your doctor may recommend knee arthroscopy if you have painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Some reasons for undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery include:

1. Removal or a repair of a torn meniscus
2. Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament
3. Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
4. Trimming of damaged articular cartilage
5. Removal of loose fragments of bones or cartilage
6. Treatment of patella (kneecap) problems
7. Knee sepsis (infection)

When is shoulder arthroscopy recommended?

Your doctor may recommend shoulder arthroscopy if you have painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Some reasons for undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery include

1. Bankart Repair
2. Rotator Cuff Repair
3. Slap Repair
4. Capsulotomy for Adhesive capsulitis
5. AC Joint Resection

How is arthroscopy performed?

Arthroscopic surgery, although much easier in terms of recovery than “open” surgery, still requires the use of anesthetics and the special equipment in a hospital operating room or outpatient surgical suite. You will be given a general, spinal, or a local anesthetic, depending on the joint or suspected problem.

A small incision (about the size of a buttonhole) will be made to insert the arthroscope. Several other incisions may be made to see other parts of the joint or insert other instruments.

Recovering from an arthroscopy:

After your arthroscopy, you’ll be taken to a room to get better from the effects of the general anesthetics, if it was used during the process. Depending on the type of method you had, you may require a temporary sling, splint or crutches to support and guard the joint while you recover. Some people are given special pumps or compression bandages to improve their blood flow.

Recovery advice by surgeons

1. Ensure that you elevate the joint and apply ice packs to help with swelling when you get home, only if advised to do so. You should also carry out any joint exercises that have been suggested for you.
2. Any dressings which have been done during the process will need to be kept as dry as possible.
3. Your wounds should start to recover within a few days. If non-dissolvable stiches were used to close them, they need to be removed after a week or two.
4. You’ll normally be asked to be present at a follow-up appointment a few weeks after the surgery to discuss the results of the operation, your recovery, and any additional treatment you may need.