What is orthopedics?
The human body contains bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. These are all part of your musculoskeletal system. When one part stops working properly, it can restrict movement, cause pain, or both. General orthopedics is a specialty in medicine. Its focus is on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
What does an orthopedic doctor do?
Doctors who specialize in treating musculoskeletal injuries and diseases are called orthopedic doctors or orthopedists. They evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with acute or chronic conditions.
- Acute conditions: Refer to a condition that persists for fewer than six months. The condition improves after a physician determines the cause and treats it, or it resolves itself. Examples of acute conditions: Broken bones and torn ligaments (ex: rotator cuff tears).
- Chronic conditions: These conditions last longer than six months. In some cases, they continue for years. Examples of chronic conditions: Carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
What orthopedic doctors treat
Orthopedic doctors treat a variety of injuries and conditions. Treatments can be surgical or nonsurgical. Some patients are unsure where the pain comes from. Our orthopedic specialists will help identify the source of the pain and propose a treatment plan.
The areas we can help diagnose and treat include the following:
- Knee Arthroscopy with Meniscus Repair: Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows your surgeon to look into the joint with a camera scope through a small incision in the skin. The joint can even be repaired at this time if need be. During knee arthroscopy, your surgeon will insert a small camera into the knee joint to display pictures and help to guide your surgeon through the surgery. Arthroscopy is generally less painful and requires less recovery time.
- Knee Arthroscopy with ACL Repair: ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament and is located in the knee. An ACL injury is when this ligament becomes damaged or torn due to an accident or injury that involved sudden starts, stops, and impacts to the knee. The goal of ACL reconstruction surgery is to restore the full function of the torn ligament and to allow you to return to regular activity or sports.
- Shoulder Arthroscopy: Shoulder arthroscopy is a procedure that orthopedic surgeons use to inspect, diagnose, and treat problems inside the shoulder joint. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, your surgeon can use very small incisions, rather than the larger incisions needed for standard, open surgery. This results in less pain for patients and shortens the time it takes for the shoulder to recover.
Our physicians provide patient-focused care using the latest treatments. We help patients affected by orthopedic issues, injuries, and diseases. The goal is to restore function and mobility while improving your quality of life.
Schedule an appointment with a Bluffton Okatie Surgery Center physician today.
