Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery spans a wide range of procedures that correct problems that affect the musculoskeletal system. Aches, stiffness, and discomfort are common afflictions, but the more severe cases might have a surgical solutioin. Muscles, tendons, joints, and bones can all be worked on to erase the effects of traumatic injury, disease, aging, or a combination of the three.
Orthopedic Subguides
Shoulder, Arm & Elbow
The most common surgical procedures for the shoulders, arms, and elbows are designed to address painful and damaged connections at joints and other areas. Shoulder replacements require the insertion of a prosthetic joint, while other procedures replace torn ligaments such as those in the elbow.
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Hand & Wrist
Surgeries performed on the hands and wrists emphasize the preservation of functionality, working to salvage the mechanics of the structures. Carpal tunnel surgeries are in particularly high demand right now, since that condition afflicts a large portion of the population. Reconstruction surgeries are also widely performed on trauma victims.
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Back, Spine & Neck
Surgical treatment of back, spine, and neck problems help adjust muscles, ligaments, and bones in these areas to positions that allow for more optimal support of the entire body. Such operations address anything from soreness and stiffness to debilitating diseases such as multiple sclerosis and herniated discs.
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Hip
Hip surgeries eliminate pain and increase patients' mobility. Hip replacement surgery, which replaces the original joint with a prosthetic implant, is a common solution for older patients who suffer from arthritis. Other types of operations may work only on select portions of the hip, such as the socket.
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Knee & Leg
Knee and leg surgeries correct problems from both serious accidents and injury from overuse. Arthroscopic surgeries employ the use of laparoscopic devices for investigating and treating minor cases without harming surrounding tissue. After diagnosis, more serious injuries may call for total knee replacements.
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Foot & Ankle
Foot and ankle surgeries may call for excisions of unwanted tissue, reconstruction of deformed structures, or insertion of new tissue. A combination of these procedures can be used to address painful bunions, inflamed joints, and other musculoskeletal defects that impede movement.
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Knee Replacement
Knee replacement is a procedure in which the surgeon removes damaged or diseased parts of the patient's knee joint and replaces them with new artificial parts. The operation itself is called knee arthroplasty. Arthroplasty comes from two Greek words, arthros or joint and plassein, "to form or shape." The artificial joint itself is called a prosthesis. Most knee prostheses have four components or parts, and are made of a combination of metal and plastic, or metal and ceramic in some newer models.
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Hip Replacement
Hip replacement is a procedure in which the surgeon removes damaged or diseased parts of the patient's hip joint and replaces them with new artificial parts. The operation itself is called hip arthroplasty. Arthroplasty comes from two Greek words, arthros or joint and plassein, "to form or shape." It is a type of surgery done to replace or reconstruct a joint. The artificial joint itself is called a prosthesis. Hip prostheses may be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or various combinations of these materials.
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Amputation
Amputation is the surgical removal of a limb or body part. It is performed to remove diseased tissue or relieve pain.
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Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty is surgery performed to relieve pain and restore range of motion by realigning or reconstructing a dysfunctional joint.
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Articles
Finding a Surgeon
Finding a surgeon refers to the process of choosing a doctor with specialized training in one or more branches of surgery to perform a specific procedure. It is almost always done in the context......
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Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic (sometimes spelled orthopedic) surgery is an operation performed by a medical specialist such as an orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon, who is trained to assess and treat problems that......
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Choosing a Surgeon
While you will probably not be golfing with him or her anytime soon (nor would you likely want to!), you should learn a few things about the person that is about to perform surgery on you. When choosing......
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Other Information
>Orthopedic complaints are the most common reason to seek medical care.
From: About.com
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