If you have a musculoskeletal injury, or if you are experiencing pain in your bones, muscles, or joints, then it may be time to seek the expertise of an orthopedic doctor. Orthopedists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including fractures, torn ligaments and tendons, joint problems, and arthritis.
Orthopedic conditions can affect people of any age. A musculoskeletal injury can be a result of wear and tear, sports, or an underlying medical condition such as arthritis or osteoporosis.
Surgeries Often Performed by Orthopedic Surgeons
Although many orthopedic conditions and injuries may only require rest and other nonsurgical treatments in order to heal, others may require orthopedic surgery. The most common types of orthopedic surgery include the following:
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Ligaments are the strong bands of fibrous tissue that connect bone to bone in a joint. A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common types of knee injury thanks to its vulnerable location directly behind the kneecap, and a fully torn ACL must usually be repaired surgically.
The ACL crosses diagonally inside of the knee, and it connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) crosses behind it, and together they create an “X” shape – providing stability to the knee joint. ACL tears most frequently occur in very active people.
Tendon Surgery
Tendons are the strong fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone. Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition in a tendon that can cause pain and tenderness in a joint. It most frequently results from overusing a joint. If a tendon is severely injured or torn, it may require surgery to fully repair.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, involves removing part or all of a damaged joint and replacing it with artificial (prosthetic) components. This surgery may be necessary in cases of advanced arthritis or a severe injury.
Surgery for Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and immobility in a joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is the wear-and-tear type, and it is usually called just “arthritis.” When nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief from the pain or lack of motion caused by arthritis, surgery may be recommended.
There are several surgical options for the treatment of advanced arthritis. The option recommended by your orthopedic surgeon will depend on the type of arthritis, its severity, and your general health. Common procedures include synovectomy (removing the diseased or damaged joint lining, or synovium), joint fusion surgery (fusing together the bones in a joint to prevent joint motion and to relieve pain), or arthroplasty (joint replacement).
Experienced Orthopedic Surgeons in Greater Kansas City, Kansas
If you have an orthopedic problem involving the knee, shoulder, hip, or elbow, contact our team at Midwest Orthopaedics. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons treat a wide range of general orthopedic issues, such as fractures, joint replacement, labral repair, and many other musculoskeletal disorders. We also have specialists in sports medicine.
For high-quality, patient-centered orthopedic care, call us today at (913) 362-8317 or request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to helping you get back to your active lifestyle once again!
