People who exercise regularly and perform constant physical activity are prone to injuries now and then. This is due to the constant pushing of their body parts to their limits. This is typical for athletes as they depend on sports as their primary source of living. An orthopedic specialist can deal with these injuries. Dr. Vinay Chopra is a renowned sports medicine physician specializing in orthopedic and spine treatments. More about what procedures he performs are discussed below.
What does Orthopedics entail?
Orthopedics is a medical specialty that aims at caring for the musculoskeletal system. This system consists of bones, muscles, ligaments, joints, and tendons.
An orthopaedist specializes in both non-surgical and surgical methods of dealing with musculoskeletal problems like joint pain, sports injuries, and back problems.
Orthopaedists may work together with other medical professionals to provide orthopedic treatment. This team may include:
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Athletic trainers
- Physical and occupational therapists
There are many conditions with which an orthopaedist may deal. Some may begin from birth, while others may be due to wear and tear caused by age or injury. Some of the typical conditions treated include:
- Bone fractures
- Arthritis joint pain
- Back pain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Pain in the shoulder and problems like bursitis
- Neck pain
- Sports injuries due to overuse like meniscus tears, tendinitis, and anterior cruciate ligament tears
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Congenital issues like scoliosis and clubfoot
Diagnosis of orthopedic conditions involves a physical exam and x-rays. A procedure involving an injection can be used to diagnose the disease. Additional tests that may be needed to confirm the diagnosis include:
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- An ultrasound
- A bone scan
- Blood tests
- Nerve conduction studies
Some operations that orthopedics may perform as part of the treatment plan include:
Arthroscopic surgery
This minimally invasive operation uses an instrument known as an arthroscope to identify joint issues. This is a long, slender camera put by the surgeon into either the shoulder or knee joint. The physician can now see inside the joint via a connected video monitor.
Problems discovered can be dealt with through tiny incisions whereby the surgeon can use small tools to fix them. Some of the joint injuries that may be fixed include ACL tears, meniscus tears, and rotator cuff tears.
Total joint replacement
A total joint replacement is an operation involving replacing an injured joint with a prosthesis made from a mixture of plastic and metal.
Bone grafting surgery
Bone from another place in your body may be used by a surgeon to fix and enhance damaged or diseased bones. This bone may also be received from another person.
Fracture repair surgery
A severely broken bone may require to be repaired through a surgical procedure. The bone is stabilized using many different implant types, including plates, rods, wires, and screws.
Orthopedic care has been encouraged by the development and spread of specialized facilities that offer these personalized services. For any orthopedic care inquiries, visit us online, or call our offices in Westfield, NJ.
