Orthopedic & Spine

Spine surgery can address herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, fractures, and degenerative disc disease. Recovery time varies, but patients typically need several weeks to months, depending on the surgery’s complexity. Risks include infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and the possibility of needing additional surgery. Surgery is usually considered only after conservative treatments like physical therapy and medications have failed. Successful spine surgery can relieve pain and improve mobility, allowing for better quality of life. Recovery involves physical therapy, pain management, and gradual return to normal activities. Preparation includes pre-operative testing, stopping certain medications, and arranging for post-surgery care.

Spinal fusion is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are permanently joined to eliminate motion and relieve pain. A discectomy is the removal of part or all of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. A Laminectomy involves removing part of the vertebra (the lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Orthopedic surgery addresses bone fractures, joint problems like arthritis, and injuries to ligaments and tendons. Risks include infection, blood clots, implant failure, and complications from anesthesia. Surgery can alleviate symptoms and improve function but cannot cure arthritis. Preparation includes pre-operative testing, discussing anesthesia options, and planning for post-surgery recovery. Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and function to the affected area. Surgery is often considered when non-surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms or restore function. 

Joint replacement involves replacing a damaged joint (e.g., hip or knee) with an artificial implant. Recovery can take several weeks to months, with physical therapy playing a crucial role in regaining mobility.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a camera to diagnose and treat joint problems.

A sports medicine specialist focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing sports-related injuries and conditions. Many athletes can return to their sports after surgery, though it often depends on the type of injury and surgery performed. Physical therapy is crucial for restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion after an injury. 

Sports medicine treats ligament tears, fractures, tendon injuries, and joint issues related to sports activities. Ligament repair involves reconstructing or repairing a torn ligament, often using grafts from the patient’s own tissue. Rotator cuff surgery repairs torn tendons in the shoulder, often through minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. Recovery time varies but generally takes several months, with physical therapy essential for full recovery. 

Symptoms include pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and inability to bear weight on the affected area. Surgery is typically required when there is significant damage that cannot heal on its own, such as a complete ligament tear. Prevention includes proper training, using the right equipment, warming up, and conditioning exercises.

Rehabilitation involves physical therapy and other therapies to help regain strength, mobility, and function after surgery. The duration varies depending on the surgery, but it often lasts several weeks to months. Rehabilitation usually begins soon after surgery, often within a day or two, depending on the procedure. Regular evaluations by your therapist and improvements in strength, flexibility, and function are good indicators.

Risks include dependency, side effects, and interactions with other medications. Other pain management strategies include, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.