Orthopaedic Surgery: Your Questions Answered

Orthopaedic surgery is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Orthopaedic surgeons are highly trained specialists who use both surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat a wide range of conditions, from broken bones to arthritis to sports injuries.

One common question that patients have about orthopaedic surgery is when is surgery necessary. The decision to undergo orthopaedic surgery is not one that is made lightly. Your orthopaedic surgeon will consider various factors before recommending surgery, including the severity of your condition, your overall health, and how well you have responded to other treatments. In many cases, surgery is considered a last resort after other options, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections, have been exhausted. However, there are certain situations where surgery may be the best option for you, such as in cases of severe joint damage or trauma.

Another question that patients often have is what to expect during and after surgery. The specific details of your surgery will depend on the type of procedure you are having, but in general, orthopaedic surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the entire procedure. After surgery, you will be closely monitored by a team of healthcare professionals to ensure that you are comfortable and recovering well. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or you may be able to go home the same day. Your orthopaedic surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery, including when you can resume normal activities and any restrictions you may have.