Our surgical facility has all of the advances and comfort you would expect.
learn more about what is performed at our orthopedic surgery center of Irvine, contact our office today. Simply being referred to an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t automatically mean surgery is going to be the only option. If non-surgical treatments aren’t effective or improving overall quality of life, however, surgery is worth considering.
- Most procedures recommended to treat issues affecting muscles, bones, joints, and nerves can be safely performed in an orthopedic surgery center
- Such facilities are designed to provide the support and expertise patients prefer when opting to undergo orthopedic surgery
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Common Orthopedic Surgeries
Spine surgery is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries, with fusion surgery, involving the “fusing” together of adjacent vertebra, often performed as part of an effort to restore stability to the backbone after the offending bone spur or disc is removed.
ACL reconstruction is performed to stabilize a major ligament in the knee. During this procedure, an orthopedic surgeon will reconstruct the affected ligament so that the knee joint can move without pain. The newly created ligament eventually forms a secure connection as it heals.
Joint and shoulder replacement are a few other frequently performed orthopedic procedures. Regardless of the procedure involved, a growing trend with orthopedic surgery is the use of minimally invasive techniques. Performed with smaller incisions, such surgical methods are designed to minimize risk and reduce recovery time.
Regardless of the type of surgery you may need at our orthopedic surgery center of Irvine, your doctor will be sure to explain it to you thoroughly so that you know what to expect.
What to Consider Before Surgery
Patients should consider all available non-surgical options prior to committing to surgery. More conservative treatment options typically include physical therapy, injections directly into the affected area, and the use of prescription medications to control pain and inflammation. Some patients find alternative treatment options, such as acupuncture, helpful to some extent.
Patients are usually asked to consider how pain is affecting their life before considering surgery. Patients should also be committed to any post-surgery physical therapy or rehabilitation that may be necessary to strengthen muscles and restore optimal movement. Not everyone is going to be an ideal candidate for surgery; even two people with the same exact problem may have different treatment options available.
Your orthopedic surgeon will work with you to determine the best possible treatment option for you.
Preparing for Surgery
Preparing for any type of orthopedic surgery involves having realistic expectations. Patients should also understand how much time is likely to involved for the procedure itself and the subsequent recovery period. Getting ready for surgery also includes making sure there will be sufficient support at home during the first few weeks or so after surgery.
Patients who smoke are asked to stop after they’ve committed to surgery to allow normal blood flow patterns to return. Adopting healthy eating patterns is also advised to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Certain supplements may be recommended to help strengthen the body’s natural healing abilities.
It’s also recommended that patients order any medications that may be needed post-surgery in advance from their preferred pharmacy so such meds will be on hand immediately. Preparing some meals in advance and arranging for a ride home from the surgery center can also help make the recovery period less stressful for patients.
Your doctor will provide you with tips for surgery preparation that will be most beneficial for your situation.
What Happens During Surgery
The specific procedure involved will depend on the type of orthopedic surgery being performed, and your doctor will give you an idea of what you can expect to experience. Many orthopedic procedures are arthroscopic in nature, which means the use of a small camera and video equipment in the room where the surgery is being performed to guide the surgeon.
Most orthopedic procedures involve some type of anesthesia to properly sedate the patient. A complete medical history will be obtained prior to surgery to ensure special precautions are taken, as necessary, if a patient has an underlying condition.
For spine surgery to correct a herniated disc, part or all of the offending disc will be removed. If joint replacement is being performed, the damaged joint is removed and an artificial joint is used to replace it. Extra care is taken to minimize stress to nearby muscles and tendons during such procedures.
Life After Orthopedic Surgery
Immediately after orthopedic surgery, it’s going to take time to heal before most patients notice the positive benefits of the procedure. A physical therapist will work closely with the surgeon to start an appropriate exercise routine. Movement is especially important for surgeries involving the spine or joints since excessive rest can result in muscle weakness. Patients are generally encouraged to resume regular activities at a pace that’s comfortable and safe.
Following release from the surgical center, patients are typically monitored closely during their recovery period. Subsequent progress is tracked with several follow-up visits. Everyone has a different experience with orthopedic surgery and different goals and expectations. “Success” for one patient, for instance, may be the ability to walk without pain while another patient may consider a procedure successful if they can get back in the game as a competitive player.
Your doctor will provide you with steps to follow after your surgery. It is very important to follow these steps carefully in order to reduce complications.
There is rarely an urgent need for a patient to make a decision about any of the procedures that can be performed at an orthopedic surgery center. This means time to ask questions and get as much information as possible to make a confident decision. While the desired outcome will vary based on a patient’s condition and overall health, the consistent goal with any orthopedic surgery is to restore the ability to live and work with little or minimal discomfort.
To learn more about our orthopedic surgery center of Irvine, contact us today.
