Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system using both surgical and nonsurgical methods. When other interventions do not relieve pain or restore function for orthopedic conditions like shoulder pain, surgery may be recommended. These procedures can address injuries and disorders involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
Surgery For Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can arise due to injuries or degenerative changes. Surgical options are discussed when discomfort persists and limits daily activities. Rotator cuff repair is often performed arthroscopically, with the surgeon reattaching a torn tendon to the upper arm bone. This technique can lead to less postoperative pain and faster recovery than open surgery.
Joint Replacement
Joint replacement involves removing a damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthesis made of materials such as metal or ceramic. This procedure is frequently performed on the hip and knee but may also be used for the ankle, wrist, shoulder, or elbow. In hip replacement, both the femoral head and the acetabulum are replaced. Knee replacement involves resurfacing or replacing worn cartilage and bone with prosthetic components, and may be either total or partial. Joint replacement aims to improve mobility and help individuals return to daily activities.
Hand Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons treat various hand and wrist disorders that require fine motor function. Carpal tunnel release may be performed when pressure on the median nerve persists. The surgeon relieves pressure by cutting the ligament compressing the nerve. This can be accomplished through open surgery or endoscopic techniques using smaller incisions. Trigger finger release is performed when inflammation causes a tendon in the finger or thumb to catch or lock. The procedure involves cutting the tendon sheath for greater tendon mobility. Dupuytren’s contracture is another condition treated surgically. Thickened tissue in the palm that constricts finger movement is removed to improve hand function.
Cartilage Restoration
Articular cartilage covers the ends of bones within joints and can be injured or degenerate, often not healing effectively on its own. Cartilage restoration procedures are designed to repair or replace damaged tissue. Microfracture surgery creates small holes in the bone beneath the injury, using bleeding and bone marrow cells to stimulate the formation of new cartilage.
Osteochondral autograft transplantation transfers healthy cartilage and bone from a non-weight-bearing area of the joint to a damaged region. In contrast, osteochondral allografts utilize donor tissue for larger areas of damage. Autologous chondrocyte implantation is a two-step process in which a sample of the patient’s healthy cartilage is harvested, cultured in a laboratory, and then implanted into the defect during a second surgery. These techniques support improved joint function and can delay or decrease the likelihood of requiring a full joint replacement.
Speak Further With an Orthopedic Surgeon
A range of surgical options exists for treating musculoskeletal conditions. Each patient’s needs require a thorough evaluation, including physical examination, imaging studies, and a review of medical history. Consulting directly with an orthopedic surgeon offers the opportunity to receive a diagnosis, discuss all available surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, and clarify expectations for the procedure and recovery.
