Orthopedic and Traumatological Surgery

What is orthopedic and traumatological surgery?

Orthopedic and traumatological surgery is a branch of medicine offering innovative, effective, and minimally invasive surgical treatments for all orthopedic conditions and traumas. Orthopedics and traumatology address the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal system pathologies, encompassing the skeleton, joints, muscles, tendons, and other structures powered by the peripheral nervous system's intricate electrical network.

It's crucial to remember that nerves are extensions originating from nerve cells in the spinal cord, which connect (via synapses) to extensions of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex. Information from peripheral organs (skin, skeleton, internal organs) reaches the spinal cord and cerebral cortex via sensory pathways of peripheral nerves. Conversely, motor commands travel from the cortex to the periphery via motor pathways. Therefore, all nerve pathways conveying sensations and motor commands between the cerebral cortex and the musculoskeletal system fall under the purview of orthopedists, traumatologists, and neurologists.

Orthopedic pathologies thus involve the musculoskeletal system and its governing peripheral neurological system.

Orthopedic and traumatological surgery treats pathologies such as:

• Joint lesions or disorders and their pharmacological treatment;
• Simple and complex knee pathologies (meniscal, cartilaginous, and ligamentous);
• Traumatic and degenerative hip pathologies (femoro-acetabular impingement, etc.);
• Foot pathologies such as hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, hammer toes, and juvenile and adult flat feet;
• Ankle pathologies: traumatic and degenerative osteo-cartilaginous and ligamentous pathologies, Achilles tendinopathies, fractures, and Achilles tendon ruptures;
• Hand, wrist, and elbow diseases: carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger fingers, cysts, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, rhizarthrosis, Dupuytren's disease, reconstructive microsurgery, and fracture treatment;
• Shoulder pathologies: fractures, dislocations, etc.;

What does an orthopedic and traumatological surgeon do?

Orthopedic and traumatological surgeons are physicians who treat locomotor system health.

Orthopedists and traumatologists possess numerous skills:

• A thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of bones, cartilage, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons;
• They can diagnose and treat pathologies affecting the locomotor system (bone fractures, osteoarthritis, etc.);
• They are experts in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders;

The skills of the orthopedist and traumatologist include:

• The anatomy and physiology of bones, cartilage, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons—in other words, the locomotor system;
• Injuries and diseases affecting the locomotor system, as well as the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms (the processes leading to a given disease);
• Investigative methods for diagnosing locomotor system pathologies, such as arthroscopy;
• Conservative and/or surgical therapies for musculoskeletal injuries or diseases. Common procedures include hip replacement, shoulder replacement, knee replacement, and carpal tunnel surgery;
• Rehabilitation pathways for recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, diseases, or surgery for orthopedic pathologies;
• Prevention of musculoskeletal system disorders;

Remember that the orthopedist is primarily a diagnostician and therapist, trained in diagnostic investigations (e.g., manual assessment tests) and targeted surgical interventions (e.g., ligament repair).

Orthopedists and traumatologists often collaborate with oncologists, neurologists, pediatric surgeons, rheumatologists, geriatricians, and sports physicians.

When to consult an orthopedic and traumatological surgeon?

Many wonder whether to consult an orthopedics specialist or their general practitioner. Direct consultation with an orthopedist can often accelerate recovery.

Suspected traumatic injury or repetitive motion injury to a bone, joint, tendon, or nerve warrants immediate consultation with an orthopedic physician.

Chronic joint or bone pain, particularly with a diagnosis of rheumatic disease or arthritis, necessitates an orthopedics specialist's involvement.

While knowing when to consult isn't always easy, these five signs strongly indicate a need:

• Difficulty performing daily activities;
• Chronic pain;
• Limited range of motion;
• Instability while walking or standing;
• Soft tissue injury unimproved after 48 hours;

EXPRESS QUOTE

Would you like more information?

What is a pre-operative orthopedic assessment?

The day before admission, necessary investigations for safe surgery are performed. This pre-operative orthopedic assessment includes an electrocardiogram, blood test, X-ray, anesthetic examination, and compilation of the orthopedic medical record by a team doctor. The patient will be questioned about their medications, previous surgeries, and medical history.

Upon admission, a surgical team member will:

• Obtain informed consent for the surgery;
• Answer any questions;
• Mark the surgical site with a dermographic pen;

Urinary catheter placement is only necessary in specific cases, for renal function monitoring or high risk of retention.

Patients will be asked to remove contact lenses, dentures, and hearing aids, and will be provided with a disposable cap and gown before entering the operating room.

[dt_sc_button title="Free Quote" size="medium" style="bordered" icon_type="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2F127.0.0.1/tds%2Fdevis%2F" textcolor="#ffffff" bgcolor="#0c73ba"]