General Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic care involves the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system of the body. The musculoskeletal system is made up of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, blood vessels and nerves that all work to provide support and stability, and help in the movement of the various parts of the body.
Problems treated by general orthopaedic physicians include musculoskeletal injuries, sports-related injuries, degenerative disorders, fractures, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Orthopaedic treatments may include both non-surgical and surgical methods. Some of these include:
- R.I.C.E: Most orthopaedic problems can be treated with rest, application of ice, compression and elevating the injured part above the level of your heart (R.I.C.E).
- Medication: Medicines such as pain relievers and NSAIDs may be prescribed. Sometimes, your doctor may inject steroids and anesthetics directly at the site of injury to relieve symptoms.
- Traction: Traction is the force applied to pull a part of the body. Pulleys and weights are used to pull a displaced bone or joint and bring it back to its normal position. Traction is used to treat fractures, joint dislocations and muscle spasms. It is also used to stabilize the immobilization of a bone.
- Immobilization: Splints, braces, casts and special boots are used to support, protect and immobilize the injured bones and soft tissue, allowing healing to occur.
- Surgery: Various surgical procedures may be indicated when conservative treatment fails to relieve symptoms and deformity. These can include traditional or open surgery or minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopy and robotic surgery. Surgery may be performed to correct a deformity, repair muscle, ligament or tendon tears, treat degenerative disorders, or fix fractures.
The goal of orthopaedic care is to help individuals suffering from musculoskeletal disorders to return to their normal life and perform activities pain-free.
General Orthopaedics AAOS Links
- Care of Casts and Splints
- X-rays, CT Scans and MRIs
- Electro diagnostic Testing
- Fractures: An Overview
- How to Use Crutches, Canes and Walkers
- Internal Fixation for Fractures
- Nonunions
- What are NSAIDs?
Miscellaneous AAOS Links
Pain Management AAOS Links
- Adolescent Anterior Knee Pain
- Back Pain in Children
- Burning Thigh Pain (Meralgia Paresthetica)
- Heel Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Low Back Pain Exercise Guide
- Neck Pain
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain)
- Preventing Back Pain at Work and at Home
- Preventing Back Pain: Tips for New Moms
- Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)
- Shoulder Pain
- Use of Pain Medications, NSAIDS