Orthopaedic procedures, performed by specialists like Dr Jan De Vos of Pretoria Hip and Knee, address musculoskeletal issues. These surgeries improve mobility and quality of life, targeting conditions involving bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
9 Orthopaedic Procedures performed by Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery, often for hips and knees due to severe arthritis or damage, involves replacing the damaged joint with a metal and plastic prosthesis. It effectively reduces pain and improves joint function, enabling patients to return to their daily activities.
- Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive orthopaedic procedure that diagnoses and treats joint issues. A tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted through small incisions, enabling surgeons to assess the joint’s interior and make necessary repairs, such as tissue removal, ligament repair, or cartilage smoothing. It is frequently employed for knee, shoulder, and hip problems.
- Spinal Surgery
Orthopaedic procedures for the spine address a range of conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. Spinal surgery can involve decompression procedures to relieve pressure on nerves, fusion to stabilise the spine, or the placement of spinal implants to correct deformities.
- Fracture Repair
Orthopaedic surgeons often perform fracture repair procedures to realign broken bones and promote proper healing. These procedures may involve the use of pins, plates, screws, or internal fixation devices to stabilise the fractured bones. Timely and precise fracture repair is crucial to ensure the bone heals correctly.
- Tendon and Ligament Repair
Tendons and ligaments can become damaged due to injury or overuse. Orthopaedic procedures aim to repair or reconstruct these crucial structures. Techniques like tendon grafts, ligament reconstruction, and tenodesis help restore function and stability to joints.
- Cartilage Restoration
Damaged cartilage in joints can lead to pain and reduced mobility. Orthopaedic surgeons employ various techniques for cartilage restoration, including microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and osteochondral grafting. These procedures encourage the growth of new cartilage or transplantation of healthy cartilage from another area of the body.
- Limb Lengthening and Deformity Correction
Orthopaedic surgeons can correct limb length discrepancies and deformities through specialised procedures. External fixators or internal implants are used to gradually lengthen or realign bones, improving function and aesthetics for patients with conditions like limb length inequality or congenital deformities.
- Soft Tissue Repair
Orthopaedic surgeons often perform soft tissue repair procedures to address injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These surgeries help restore strength, mobility, and function to the affected area. Common examples include rotator cuff repair in the shoulder and Achilles tendon repair in the ankle.
- Sports Medicine Procedures
Sports-related orthopaedic procedures focus on treating injuries commonly encountered by athletes. These include procedures like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and meniscus repair.
Orthopaedic procedures are crucial for enhancing the lives of those with musculoskeletal conditions. They include a variety of techniques, from joint replacements to soft tissue repairs, all aimed at improving mobility, reducing pain, and correcting deformities. These procedures advance continuously, providing patients with hope for a better, pain-free life. If you have musculoskeletal concerns or pain, consult an orthopaedic specialist like Dr Jan De Vos based in Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria for personalised treatment options.
Learn about Dr Jan De Vos now – his credentials and years of experience speak for themselves. Then contact us to book an appointment to be assessed by the best.
