Orthopedic surgery focuses on the bones, joints, and muscles of the musculoskeletal system. Some procedures are minimally invasive, while others repair or replace damaged structures. An orthopedic surgeon performs these procedures to treat injuries, degenerative conditions, and overuse problems, but the appropriate surgery depends on the problem’s location and the extent of the damage. Here’s more information on different types of orthopedic surgeries:
Shoulder Surgery
The shoulder includes key bones like the humerus, scapula, and clavicle, along with the rotator cuff and surrounding ligaments. Its wide range of motion makes the shoulder joint susceptible to injury and wear. When an orthopedic surgeon needs to assess the extent of a shoulder injury, they may recommend an arthroscopy. During shoulder arthroscopy, the surgeon inserts a small camera called an arthroscope through a small incision near the joint. The camera sends images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to view the cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy can help identify problems that may not appear clearly on X-rays or MRI scans. Using specialized instruments, surgeons can also repair torn rotator cuff tendons, remove inflamed tissue, or address labral tears during the same procedure. Arthroscopy is minimally invasive and involves smaller incisions than open surgery, so recovery times are often shorter.
Instability Repair Surgery
Shoulder instability occurs when the head of the humerus moves partially or completely out of the socket. Repeated dislocations can stretch or tear the ligaments and labrum that hold the joint in place; stabilization surgeries aim to tighten or reattach these tissues. Joint replacement surgery may be discussed when arthritis or severe injury damages the joint surfaces. In a total shoulder replacement, the surgeon replaces the damaged ball and socket with metal and plastic components.
Clavicle or Humerus Fracture Repair
Falls, sports injuries, and car accidents can cause fractures of the clavicle or humerus. Some fractures heal with immobilization in a sling, so surgery may be necessary when bone fragments are displaced, broken into several pieces, or misaligned. Surgeons use plates, screws, pins, or rods to hold the fragments in position during healing.
Knee Surgery
The knee connects the femur, tibia, and patella, and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) helps stabilize the joint during movement. Fracture repair may be necessary when a break affects the knee joint surface, when fragments shift out of alignment, or when bone breaks through the skin. Surgeons can also use plates and screws to realign and stabilize the bone.
ACL tears often occur during sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction. ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a graft from the patient’s own tendon or from a donor. Surgeons may recommend reconstruction for patients with ongoing knee instability, or for people planning to return to pivoting sports. Less active individuals may benefit from physical therapy and bracing alone.
Ankle Surgery
The ankle is made up of many key bones and soft tissues, and sprains, fractures, cartilage damage, and arthritis can affect function. Ankle arthroscopy gives orthopedic surgeons a direct view of the ankle’s ligaments and bone surfaces through small incisions. This view can reveal loose fragments, cartilage defects, scar tissue, or bone spurs that imaging tests may not fully show. Findings from this procedure help surgeons determine the extent of the damage and, when possible, address some problems during the same procedure. Others, such as complex fractures or advanced arthritis, may require:
- Open Surgery
- Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
- Ankle Fusion Surgery
- Joint Replacement Surgery
Call an Orthopedic Surgeon
If you have joint pain or a recent injury, contact an orthopedic surgeon for personalized advice based on your needs. Each orthopedic condition involves unique factors that influence your treatment options. A surgeon can review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging results to determine whether surgery is appropriate. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your diagnosis and available treatment options.
