An orthopedist is a doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system, i.e., bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. They work with patients suffering from issues related to their skeletal systems or diseases that cause problems with movement or strength of the musculoskeletal system. They are also involved in the consultation process before or after surgeries. An orthopedist looks at how healthy your bones, muscles, and joints are. They can diagnose issues with bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage that might be causing pain or problems moving. This article looks at some of the treatments Ortho 1 Medical Group, an orthopedic practice based in La Jolla, Ca, can provide.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure where an arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint through a tiny incision. It allows the doctor to look inside the knee and get a clear view of all its parts. The doctor can use different types of equipment through this scope, such as probes or tools that can remove small parts of the knee when required, such as a piece of cartilage, loose bone, or small fragments. It is done to prevent further damage and improve symptoms.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is an orthopedic surgical procedure where an arthroscope is inserted into the shoulder joint through a small incision. It allows the doctor to look inside the shoulder and get a clear view of all its parts, like muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, etc. The doctor can use different types of equipment through this scope, such as probes or tools that they can use to remove small parts of the shoulder when required, such as a piece of loose bone or a fragment. It helps prevent further damage and improve symptoms.
Total Shoulder Replacement (Shoulder Arthroplasty)
This is a surgical procedure where the shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This surgery comes in when severe arthritis or other conditions that cause damage to the shoulder has occurred, causing significant pain and difficulty using the arm. Watery fluid around the joints can also signify that this surgery could be the best option. Arthritis is a common cause of shoulder pain and stiffness in patients above the age of fifty, making it difficult for them to move their shoulders freely.
ACL Repair/ Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is one of the four main ligaments in the knee and is responsible for helping stabilize and prevent the knee from shifting side to side. You can tear the ACL during high-impact sports injuries such as football, basketball, skiing, etc. This condition may cause pain and swelling that may affect your daily routine. An ACL reconstruction is done when you tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or are injured, which can cause significant knee problems. The best option, in this case, is to get an ACL reconstruction surgery, where a new piece of tissue is taken from another part of the body and used to replace the torn ACL to improve symptoms.
In summary, an orthopedist is a doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system, i.e., bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. They can provide arthroscopy, total shoulder replacements, knee arthroplasty, and ACL reconstruction.