Do Orthopedic Doctors Do Surgery?
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Bones, ligaments and tendons, muscles, joints, and nerves all fall within this category.
Injuries and chronic conditions like lower back pain or arthritis are common reasons why people seek treatment at the top orthopaedics hospital in Bangalore. You’ll learn more about what orthopedic doctors do and how to select the ideal one for you in this article.
Is There a Specific Job that Orthopedic Doctors Perform?
When it comes to musculoskeletal difficulties, orthopedic specialists, often known as orthopedic surgeons, are your best bet. Their responsibilities include the following:
- Treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
- The process of helping someone who has been injured or had surgery restore their mobility, strength, and range of motion
- Keeping chronic illnesses such as arthritis from progressing by developing preventative measures
Some orthopedic specialists opt to specialize in a particular area of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic subspecialties include:
- Spine
- Knee and hip
- Hand
- Elbow and shoulder
- Ankles and feet
- Sports medicine
- Trauma surgery
What Kind of Medical Operations do they Carry Out?
When it comes to the illnesses that they treat, orthopedic specialists have a wide range of therapy options and procedures to offer patients.
Non-Surgical Methods
Treatments of this nature are said to be “conservative.” Doctors in orthopedics are more likely to propose nonsurgical therapy first before considering surgery. Treatments that don’t require surgery include:
Exercises:
The flexibility, strength, and range of motion in a specific location may be improved with the use of exercises or stretches prescribed by your orthopedic specialist.
Immobilization:
Keeping an area from being overstressed can aid in its recovery. Braces, casts, and splints, are examples of immobilization procedures.
Medications:
Certain drugs may be prescribed by your orthopedic doctor in order to alleviate symptoms such as pain and edema. Ibuprofen and aspirin are two common examples of over-the-counter drugs. In addition, they may prescribe corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed medications.
Lifestyle changes:
Lifestyle changes might be aided by your orthopedic doctor as well. Physical activity, food, and exercise can all be modified to avoid aggravating a condition or an injury.
Surgical procedures
In some cases, conservative approaches fail to alleviate the symptoms of a disease or injury. Surgery may be recommended by your doctor in these situations. Orthopedic surgeons conduct a variety of procedures, such as:
Surgically replacing a joint:
Joint replacement surgery replaces the damaged or diseased portions of a joint, most commonly due to arthritis. Knee and hip replacements are two common examples.
Internal fixation:
In order to keep damaged bones in place while they heal, internal fixation uses hardware such as plates, screws, pins, and rods.
Fusion:
Internal fixation is used in conjunction with bone graft material to link two bones. During healing, the bone tissue merges into a single, unified bone. Surgery of the neck and spine frequently use this approach
Osteotomy:
Osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which a piece of bone is cut and repositioned. Arthritis may be treated with this type of surgery.
Repair of soft tissue:
Repairing badly damaged ligaments, muscles, or tendons may necessitate this type of surgery.
Release surgery:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated with this procedure. By relieving stress on the median nerve, it aids in the alleviation of symptoms.
Many people believe that orthopedic specialists always prescribe surgery to treat joint and bone conditions. Surgery is typically a last resort in most patients. In most cases, your orthopedic doctor will advise against surgery. The good news is that if you have to see a specialist in the top orthopedics hospital in Bangalore, your primary doctor is more than likely to refer you.