Peace of mind may be hard to find when your best option is some type of orthopedic surgery. But, orthopedic surgery techniques are more advanced than ever. You have a terrific chance at a fuller, possibly pain-free, life after surgery.
Surgeons perform dozens of different types of orthopedic surgeries, but some are more common than others. Many surgeries have better outcomes and quicker recoveries than ever before.
Here are the 12 most common types of orthopedic surgeries:
1. Knee Arthroscopy
In arthroscopic knee surgery, your surgeon inserts a tiny camera through a small incision in your knee. The camera sends the images to a screen, so your surgeon can see exactly what’s wrong. Then, using the camera’s images as a guide, the surgeon can correct problems like:
- Damaged ACL
- Meniscus tears
After knee arthroscopy, you might be able to go home the same day. Recovery time varies according to what your surgeon repaired. But, most people can put at least some weight on their leg within a few days.
2. Shoulder Arthroscopy
In shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon also uses a tiny camera to look inside your shoulder. The camera allows them to thoroughly inspect all of your shoulder’s parts.
Once the surgeon can see everything, they can make repairs including:
- Rotator cuff repair
- Impingement syndrome
- Shoulder instability
Recovery time for shoulder arthroscopy varies from a few weeks to several months or more, depending on what your surgeon repaired. But most people can begin resuming gentle movement within a few days or weeks.
3. Knee Replacement
When your knees are damaged by injury or arthritis, even sitting down and standing up hurts. A knee replacement can get you back on your feet, pain-free.
Surgeons replace over 700,000 knees every year, making this one of the most common types of orthopedic surgery.
In a knee replacement, your surgeon removes some (partial knee replacement) or all (total knee replacement) of the bones that make up your knee joint. Then replaces them with plastic and metal parts.
The recovery time varies. Most people can go back to most of their normal activities within about six weeks after surgery. However, fully recovering can take six months or more.
4. Hip Replacement
Whether from an awkward fall, congenital deformation, or arthritis, hip replacements are relatively common.
Most hip replacement surgeries completely replace the ball and socket with metal or plastic parts. It’s efficient, works well, and lasts 15 to 20 years.
A second type of hip replacement is the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing approach. Your surgeon will only replace the damaged portions. This option lasts longer than a traditional hip replacement and is perfect if you are an active person.
5. Shoulder Joint Replacement
Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint, like the hip. If your shoulder joint is too damaged to function normally, even with surgery, replacing it may be the best option.
There are four types of shoulder replacement, which one your surgeon recommends will depend on your needs:
- In total shoulder replacement, your surgeon removes the entire joint and replaces it.
- Total reverse shoulder replacement only used when your rotator cuff has too much damage.
- Partial shoulder replacement is an option when only the ball portion needs to be replaced.
- Shoulder resurfacing is terrific if only part of your joint is damaged.
No matter which type of shoulder replacement surgery you undergo, your surgeon will replace it with plastic and metal prosthetics.
6. Ankle Repair Surgery
The ankle joint is complex and made up of several bones. Fractures and other injuries can throw them out of alignment and make the joint unstable.
During the procedure, your surgeon will realign the bones and use implants to hold them in place. To fully recover, you’ll wear a cast or boot for several weeks. Once it’s healed, you’ll need to do specific rehabilitation exercises to regain most or all of your range of motion.
7. Joint Fusion
Sometimes, joints are too damaged by arthritis to repair. If that’s the case, your doctor may recommend fusing two or more bones. It can relieve pain and make the joint more stable.
Joint fusions take several weeks or more to heal. They’re not usually a good choice for people with:
- Bone density/quality issues
- Neurological problems
- Infections
- Other issues that prevent healing.
8. Carpal Tunnel
The carpal tunnel is on the inside of your wrist where the nerves and tendons pass through into the hand. Small bones on either side form the walls, while a connective tissue band (the transverse carpal ligament) covers them.
If your tendons swell it puts pressure on the nerve, which creates carpal tunnel syndrome. It causes pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor may recommend surgery.
In carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament to create more space for the nerve and tendons. For this surgery, you may be awake with local anesthetic, or asleep under general anesthesia. Most people go home on the same day of their surgery.
9. Back Surgery
Our spine is a marvel of nature that supports the skeletal system and protects the spinal cord. This thick bundle of nerve tissue branches sends signals to and from the brain.
Different types of back surgery include discectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion. Back or spinal surgery is delicate and most spinal surgeries are in the back’s lumbar (lower) region.
10. Trigger Finger Release
Tendons make moving your fingers possible. They’re protected by a sheath that can swell when injured, and that swelling can keep you from extending your fingers.
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, can heal on its own, but if it doesn’t, needs surgery to correct it. But if you need trigger finger release surgery, don’t worry. All three types of trigger finger surgery only require local anesthetic, and you can go home the same day.
Surgery Is a Last Resort
These 12 orthopedic surgeries are some of the most common, but before you go under the knife, look at all other options. If you’ve tried everything and your doctor recommends surgery, then it’s probably time to consider it.
If surgery is in your future, the surgeons at The Orthopedic Clinic are here to help you live an active life—make an appointment today.