1. Joint Replacement and Reconstruction
Joint replacement and reconstruction procedures involve the removal, repair, or replacement of damaged joints, such as those in the hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle. The following are some common joint replacement and reconstruction procedures:
Total hip replacement (THR): This procedure involves replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial joint composed of metal, ceramic, or plastic components.
Total knee replacement (TKR): In this procedure, the damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint made from metal and plastic components.
Shoulder arthroplasty: This procedure involves replacing the damaged shoulder joint with an artificial joint composed of metal and plastic components.
Ankle replacement surgery: This surgery involves replacing the damaged ankle joint with an artificial joint made from metal and plastic components.
2. Sports Medicine
Sports medicine is a specialized field within orthopedic care, aimed at treating and preventing sports-related injuries. The most common procedures and treatments in sports medicine include:
Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure uses a special instrument called an arthroscope to diagnose and treat various joint problems, such as torn cartilage and ligament injuries.
Ligament reconstruction: This procedure involves repairing or reconstructing damaged ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.
Tendon repair surgery: Tendon repair surgery involves the surgical treatment of injuries to tendons, such as the rotator cuff in the shoulder or the Achilles tendon in the ankle.
3. Spine Care
Spine care involves the treatment of various spinal conditions, such as scoliosis, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Common spine care procedures include:
Spinal fusion: This procedure involves the surgical joining of two or more vertebrae to provide stability and reduce pain.
Laminectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the vertebral bone, called the lamina, to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Discectomy: This is the surgical removal of a herniated or damaged disc in the spine, which can help relieve pain and other symptoms associated with the condition.
4. Trauma and Fracture Care
Trauma and fracture care involves the management and treatment of broken bones and other injuries resulting from accidents or falls. Common trauma and fracture care procedures include:
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): This surgical procedure is used to stabilize and repair broken bones using plates, screws, or rods.
Closed reduction and external fixation: This method involves aligning the broken bone without making an incision and using an external device to hold the bone in place while it heals.
Cast or splint application: In some cases, a cast or splint may be applied to immobilize the broken bone and allow it to heal properly.
5. Hand and Wrist Care
Hand and wrist care focuses on the treatment of various conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendon injuries. Common hand and wrist care procedures include:
Carpal tunnel release surgery: This procedure involves making an incision in the wrist to relieve pressure on the median nerve, which can help alleviate the pain and numbness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Trigger finger release surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the palm of the hand to release the tight tendon sheath that is causing the finger to become stuck in a bent position.
Hand and wrist joint replacements: In some cases, patients may require a hand or wrist joint replacement, where the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint made from metal and plastic components.
Orthopedic and musculoskeletal care covers a broad range of treatments and procedures designed to address various conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. By understanding the different care categories and related procedures, patients can make informed decisions about their treatment options and work with their healthcare providers to achieve the best outcomes.