Depending on the specific Orthopedic injury, treatment may include medications, casts, splints, therapies or surgeries. The specialists at Saint Francis Medical Center's Orthopedic Institute discuss available treatment options with patients to determine the best plan of care so they can live an active, functional life. Some advanced surgical procedures include:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
This procedure uses a tendon from another part of the knee or from a tissue bank to replace the damaged ACL. Either metal or plastic screws hold the new tendon in place. The reconstruction is typically done arthroscopically
Anterior spinal surgery
Anterior spine surgery involves operating on the spine from the front with an incision around the abdomen. This allows superior access for disc surgery, deformity correction (such as scoliosis), stronger fusions and implantation of artificial discs. The anterior approach often has less postoperative discomfort and allows faster rehabilitation, recovery and return to activities.
Arthroscopic surgery
This surgery option allows quicker recovery and is less painful than traditional surgery. With arthroscopy, surgeons only make a few small incisions and use a small, flexible tube with a flexible camera to see inside a joint. It can be used to repair torn rotator cuffs, cartilage and ligaments, as well as injuries to the hands, wrists, elbows and ankles.
Bunion removal
Bunion removal cuts away the deformity and repositions the muscles, tendons and ligaments to realign the joint. In severe cases, joint replacement or reconstruction may be necessary.
Carpal tunnel repair
This repair procedure typically uses endoscopic surgery (performed by making an incision over the ligament) to decompress the area around the median nerve. Approximately 80 percent to 90 percent of patients have permanent relief of their symptoms after carpal tunnel repair surgery.
Rotator cuff repair
Rotator cuff repair can include one of two types of surgery: open surgery, in which the repair is made through a large incision, and arthroscopic surgery, in which the repair is made through multiple small incisions.
Total hip replacement
Total hip replacement removes diseased bone tissue and cartilage from the hip joint. The joint ball and socket are replaced with new artificial parts that allow a natural motion of the joint. Surgeons may use a special "bone cement" to bond the new parts to the existing healthy bone. In other instances, a porous prosthesis is used that allows the patient's own bone to grow into pores and holds the new parts in place.
Total knee replacement
Total knee replacement removes the damaged parts of the shin and thigh bones and may include replacement of the knee cap. Metal and plastic parts are cemented or pressed into place, creating a new knee joint.