If you have a musculoskeletal condition and are looking for specialized medical care for an evaluation and treatment, you may have concerns that an orthopedic surgeon’s only treatment solution is surgery. In fact, surgery is recommended only when other more conservative treatments have failed to work successfully.
Orthopedic surgeons are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system – which includes the bones, joints, muscles, and related structures. These physicians work with anyone who is experiencing problems with movement or orthopedic pain, and the issue may be caused by anything from a sports injury to arthritis.
Alternatives to Orthopedic Surgery
Although orthopedists are skilled surgeons, their expertise extends beyond surgical treatments. They are up-to-date with the latest nonsurgical treatments to effectively address a musculoskeletal condition or injury in the least-invasive manner possible.
Some of the most popular types of nonsurgical orthopedic treatments include the following:
Viscosupplementation
The viscosupplementation treatment involves the injection of hyaluronic acid into the injured or painful joint. It is a thick fluid that lubricates the joint to improve mobility and relieve pain, and it is often used for patients with severe arthritis in the knees. Viscosupplementation can provide up to 6 months of relief.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Chondrocyte implantation is a specialized procedure to resolve cartilage injury in the knee. It is a two-step procedure that involves (1) a cartilage biopsy to evaluate the extent of the damage and to collect healthy tissue samples (which are used to grow new cartilage), and (2) to surgically remove the damaged tissue and replace it with the healthy new cartilage which was grown from your own healthy cells.
An injection of Carticel® is then administered to facilitate repair, provide pain relief, and improve function. Recovery includes physical therapy and 6 to 12 months of activity restrictions.
Physical Therapy
An orthopedic surgeon may also recommend physical therapy, which can be both a beneficial and cost-effective way to treat many orthopedic conditions without surgery or prescription drugs. The main goal of physical therapy is to restore an individual’s function and mobility, and to eliminate or minimize pain – thereby allowing them to return to their prior level of functioning.
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who are experts in the way the body moves. By working with each patient to create a customized physical therapy program, it allows patients to actively participate in their recovery plan. Physical therapists may use a variety of treatment modalities, such as hot and cold therapy, ultrasound, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy to reduce pain, improve or restore mobility, prevent further injury, and improve overall health and well-being.
Comprehensive Orthopedic Care in Greater Kansas City, KS
If you are looking for patient-centered orthopedic care in Johnson County, contact the expert orthopedic surgeons at Midwest Orthopaedics. Our board-certified surgeons use a number of nonsurgical and surgical treatments to address a wide range of conditions and injuries involving the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, and beyond. We also have specialists in sports medicine.
To find out more about our medical services, call us today at (913) 362-8317 or you can request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to serving you!
