Orthopedic doctors, also known as orthopedists, specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. It includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that support your movement and overall physical function. If you live in or around Merritt Island, FL, and are dealing with chronic pain, recent injuries, limited mobility, or joint stiffness, visit Cape Canaveral orthopedic doctors for accurate treatment.
From minimally invasive procedures to advanced reconstructive surgeries, these orthopedists are trained to restore function and improve your quality of life. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the 10 most common surgeries performed by orthopedic doctors in Cape Canaveral, why they are done, and who can benefit from them. Let’s explore each one in detail.
10 Common Surgeries by Orthopedists in Merritt Island
In the following points, we have listed specific surgeries and how they are performed. Keep reading to learn more.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged or worn-out knee joint with an artificial one. The new joint is generally made of metal and plastic. This procedure is mostly recommended for those suffering from severe knee pain due to arthritis or an injury. Orthopedic doctors in Merritt Island FL, recommend a total or partial knee replacement, depending on the patient’s condition.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy involves using a small camera to diagnose and treat knee joint problems through small incisions. During the procedure, the orthopedist first inserts an arthroscope and specialized tools to repair or remove damaged tissues, such as torn menisci or ligaments. They also use a monitor for aid during the procedure. After a knee arthroscopy, you can experience less pain, reduced stiffness, minimal scarring, and a quick recovery.
Hip Replacement Surgery
A hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, replaces a damaged hip joint with an artificial one to relieve severe pain and improve mobility. In a hip replacement, damaged bones and cartilage are replaced with prosthetic components, such as a metal stem with a ball and a socket lined with plastic, ceramic, or metal.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, replaces a damaged shoulder joint with an artificial one. The artificial joint is made of metal and plastic. The procedure is used in severe conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathic, or significant injury, and relieves pain and restores functionality. It involves replacing the ball at the top of the hummers and the socket in the shoulder blade.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy diagnoses and repairs shoulder joint problems with a camera. The benefits of this procedure include less pain, smaller scars, a lower risk of complications, a faster return to normal activities, and the patient can go home the same day. Shoulder arthroscopy fixes rotator cuff tears, labrum tears, or chronic dislocations and is recommended when non-surgical treatments fail.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
An ACL reconstruction surgery replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee with a graft, often using a hamstring or patellar tendon from the patient’s or a donor’s body. The procedure involves small incisions for a camera and surgical instruments to replace the damaged ligament with a new one in order to restore knee stability.
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure to treat carpal tunnel syndrome by cutting the transverse carpal ligament. It relieves pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The procedure is generally performed after administering anesthesia and is done through an open incision or smaller incisions using an endoscope. The goal is to remove pain, numbness, and tingling.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae in the spine to eliminate painful or unstable movement. The surgery involves joining the bones with a bone graft and often involves using rods, screws, or a plate to hold them in place. The procedure is used to fix fractures or treat spinal instability.
Nerve Repair
Nerve repair involves reconnecting the ends of a severed or damaged nerve, either by suturing them directly or bridging a gap with a nerve graft or a conduit. The surgeon removes damaged and scarred tissues to prepare the nerve ends for repair. After the repair, nerve fibers begin to grow from the repair site toward the target tissue to restore function.
Tendon Repair
Tendon repair reattaches or reconnects a damaged or torn tendon, connecting muscle to bone. The procedure involves stitching the ends of the tendon. Sometimes a tendon graft is also used if the injury is severe. A splint or cast is also applied after surgery to protect the tendon repair. Depending on the surgery, anesthesia is also used.
Do you need orthopedics in Cape Canaveral? If so, come to us. We are Cape Canaveral orthopedic doctors and offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments. Our range of services includes foot, ankle, and heel pain; diabetic foot care; pediatric foot care; skin and toenail ailments; sports medicine foot and ankle injuries; bunions and hammertoes; neuropathy; and wound care.
If you are suffering from any bone- and joint-related issues, come to Merritt Island Foot And Ankle. We are your trusted clinic for fractures, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, ankle and foot sprains, and several other conditions.