Overview
Orthopedic surgery can address injuries and tissue changes involving the body’s musculoskeletal system. The source describes surgery for problems such as severe sprains, fractures, torn muscles, tendons or ligaments, ACL injuries, meniscus tears, severe joint injuries, tissue deterioration, and chronic pain. Causes may include arthritis, sports injuries, falls, or motor-vehicle accidents. Treatment planning is individualized and may include non-surgical options when they are suitable.
Common symptoms
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling or redness
- Reduced range of motion
- Instability or difficulty using the affected area
- Persistent pain after an injury
Conditions we evaluate
- Severe sprain or strain
- Broken bone (fracture)
- Torn muscle, tendon, or ligament
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
- Torn meniscus
- Severe joint injury
- Tissue deterioration
- Chronic pain
Diagnosis
To assess whether orthopedic surgery may be appropriate, a clinician reviews your medical history, discusses how and when symptoms began, and examines the injured area. The exam may look for swelling, redness, limited motion, pain, or tenderness. Depending on the concern, evaluation can include blood tests, X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or other imaging. These findings help identify the injury and compare surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
Treatment options
If surgery is selected, the source describes anesthesia followed by a small incision to repair or remove damaged tissue, then closure and monitored recovery. Before surgery, follow the clinician’s instructions about food, drink, medicines, and arranging a ride home. Afterward, recovery may involve rest, prescribed medicines, ice, a brace or crutches, follow-up visits, and physical therapy. Non-surgical care may include medication, injections, regenerative medicine, or therapy. Stem-cell treatment requires a separate discussion of eligibility, evidence, alternatives, cost or coverage, and risks; it should not be presented as a cure or guaranteed result.