Undergoing surgery is the least favorite treatment option for almost everyone – not only because undergoing surgery can be risky but also because it often comes with a long recovery period. Therefore, orthopedic surgeons initially try to address musculoskeletal problems with a conservative approach, such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. However, there are some situations in which surgery is inevitable to restore normal function.
If you’re exploring treatment options for your orthopedic problem and want to know if your surgeon will recommend surgery, read on to learn about some common situations in which orthopedic surgeons often suggest surgery.
#1 Your Orthopedic Issue Warrants Surgery Right Away
While conservative treatments are considered the first line of treatment for most orthopedic problems, there are some conditions and injuries that warrant surgical intervention right away. For such issues, conservative treatments are not viable solutions at all. Some of these conditions/injuries are:
- Severe joint infection
- Open bone fracture
- Nerve damage
- Compartment syndrome
#2 Your Problem Doesn’t Get Better with Other Forms of Treatment
Because you use your musculoskeletal system components – muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and cartilage – for about every single task you do, they are more prone to injuries or problems that can affect your daily activities. While many can be treated conservatively, severe issues must be addressed surgically. Some of these injuries and musculoskeletal problems you can develop are:
- ACL tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Pinched nerves
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendon ruptures
- Pitcher’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles tendon tears
When you visit your orthopedic surgeon with sharp pain and discomfort due to any of these problems, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend a non-surgical approach such as medications, physical therapy, stem cell therapy, etc. for the treatment. However, if after several weeks of nonsurgical treatment, your pain doesn’t improve, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend a surgical approach to treat the problem once and for all.
#3 You Have a Degenerative Disease
Arthritis, a degenerative disease, has different forms that can target your musculoskeletal system, especially joints. Osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” arthritis is the most common form that can deteriorate the protective cartilage lining your joints over time. When the protective cartilage wears down completely, bone surfaces rub against each other and trigger joint inflammation and cause pain.
No medication and other nonsurgical treatment can reverse this degenerative disease. If your cartilage has completely worn away, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend surgery that involves removing the damaged tissues and joints. Your orthopedic surgeon may completely or partially replace the joint with an artificial implant.
Types of Surgeries an Orthopedic Surgeon Performs
Whether you need to stabilize a broken bone, relieve the pain of an arthritic joint, or repair torn tendons or ligaments, your orthopedic surgeon can perform a variety of excellent surgeries to give you relief. The most common types of surgeries orthopedic surgeons perform are:
- Arthroscopy
- Reconstruction surgery
- Spinal fusion
- Robotic surgery
- Joint replacement
Orthopedic Surgeon in Naples, FL
If you think you have a musculoskeletal problem that requires surgery, don’t hesitate to visit our compassionate orthopedic surgeons at the Joint Replacement Institute. Our orthopedic surgeons will perform a thorough evaluation of your problem and provide outstanding care with the utmost compassion. They provide both surgical and nonsurgical treatments to treat a variety of orthopedic issues and improve patients’ overall quality of life.
To make an appointment with our providers, call us at (239) 261-2663 or send an appointment request by filling out our online form.
