internal-banner

Faq

Most orthopaedic injuries and conditions are treated without surgery, using a range of treatments that include activity modification, physical therapy and medications. Surgery is an option for certain orthopaedic problems and often for those conditions that do not alleviate symptoms.

The most common orthopaedic surgeries are:

  • Arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip and ankle
  • Joint replacement surgery, during which an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint
  • Repair of soft tissue injuries, such as torn tendons or ligaments

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon uses a high-definition, fiber optic camera that is about the diameter of a pencil to perform surgery through small incisions. Arthroscopy is also used to diagnose and treat virtually all joint problems, including those of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. The visualization that arthroscopy makes possible allows your surgeon to treat many conditions in the least invasive manner possible.

Because arthroscopic surgery is performed through small incisions, injury to soft tissues is avoided, which results in quicker and less painful recovery times. Most patients go home the same day they have surgery.

The primary goals of joint replacement surgery are to restore mobility and to relieve pain. Good evidence-based medicine data reveals that a typical total hip or knee replacement lasts at least 20 years in about 80 percent of patients, which lets patients enjoy their favorite activities without pain. Joint replacement care is a truly comprehensive experience; it encompasses the entire process from evaluation through rehabilitation. Care includes diagnostic imaging, patient education, surgery and both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy.

Healing times depend largely on the patient’s overall health, body type and lifestyle. With proper care, rest and therapy, patients heal sufficiently to return to most activities of daily living within several weeks of their procedure. The duration of hospitalization ranges from two days for a shoulder replacement to three to five days following a knee or hip replacement.

Probably, though it depends upon a number of factors that require coordination with your surgeon. Most patients are able to resume athletic activity at a recreational level, enjoying the benefits of exercise and recreation without pain or limitations.