Orthopaedic Surgery

What is Orthopaedic Surgery?

Orthopaedic Surgery may be needed to implant mechanical or electronic devices; improve physical appearance; repair an area that has been injured or affected by trauma, overuse, or disease; restore proper function; or relieve pain.

Specific treatment for orthopaedic needs will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

core decompression - a surgical procedure in which the inner layer of bone is removed to reduce pressure, allow for increased blood flow, and slow or stop bone and/or joint destruction.
osteotomy - a surgical procedure to reshape the bone and reduce stress on the affected area.
bone graft - a surgical procedure in which healthy bone is transplanted from another part of the patient's body into the affected area.
arthroplasty (total joint replacement) - a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis); may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain and/or disability.
biopsy - when cancer is present, surgery may include biopsy to diagnose and stage the cancer, and/or a procedure to remove the cancerous tissue or tumor.
amputation - although limb-sparing surgery normally is the goal, sometimes, the extent of a disease requires that an entire limb be removed, a surgical procedure called amputation.
Internal radiation therapy - when cancer is present, radiation may be used to kill cancerous cells. This type of treatment may include radioactive pellets that are implanted in the affected area.

Online Resources
The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

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Online Resources - Orthopaedic Surgery

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