Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery is any surgical procedure that involves the musculoskeletal system. This includes the:

• Bones
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Cartilage

Originally, orthopedic surgery focused on correcting developmental abnormalities in children. These techniques allowed them to overcome functional issues through surgical intervention.

These days, orthopedic surgery is considered a cornerstone of modern medicine and has expanded to include anyone suffering from conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system ( bones, joints, muscle and other connective tissue).

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in correcting mechanical and functional issues present in bones, muscles, and connective tissue.

Orthopedic surgeons undergo four years of medical school. Once they have graduated from Medical School, they spend another 5 years in Specialty training (Orthopedic Surgery). They may also spend an additional 1-2 years in Fellowship training (additional subspecialty training focused on a particular aspect of the musculoskeletal system and/or patient population).

Orthopedic surgery covers a wide range of conditions, and many patients may meet with an orthopedic surgeon to address their needs.

You may need to consider orthopedic surgery for the following:

• Bone breaks or fractures. Those experiencing bone fractures, ranging from the spine to the legs, may need surgery for proper correction and healing.
• Sports-related injuries. Orthopedic surgery is often needed to address sports injuries, particularly in contact sports, where torn ligaments and muscles are common occurrences.
• Age-related degeneration. As we age, joint wear and tear can lead to conditions such as hip and knee degeneration. These conditions often require joint replacement surgery to restore function and alleviate discomfort.

Whenever possible, our orthopedic specialists turn to nonsurgical treatment options like physical therapy before resorting to surgical treatment. At Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, we have a well-established Physical Therapy Department that can assist with any patient whose conditions do not yet require surgery.

Before you head into the operating room, there will be extensive diagnostics and assessments run to ensure all issues are treated effectively and that your recovery time can be as fast as possible.

You will have a consultation with your orthopedic surgeon, who will ask you a range of questions relating to your pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life. You will likely be asked to get X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds so that the doctors can understand fully what is happening in the problem area and can create an action plan accordingly.

You may also be asked for blood tests or biopsies to determine levels of certain important nutrients and compounds in your body before surgery to ensure you will be fit enough to recover. A detailed patient history will also be collected to ensure any allergies or past negative reactions to medications are avoided.

Recovery time for orthopedic surgery can vary significantly based on:

• How extensive the surgery was
• Your age
• Your overall health
• Any additional complicating factors

For example, for a standard knee replacement, standard recovery times are usually between four and six weeks. On the other hand, a surgery such as a shoulder reconstruction can take up to six months to fully regain proper use of the joint.

Overall, a typical recovery period for an orthopedic surgery is generally around six weeks. You do not want to rush recovering from these kinds of surgeries, as it may impact your ability to regain normal function in the future.