Orthopaedic surgery is a wide field encompassing the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of injuries, degenerative diseases and congenital deformities of our musculoskeletal system. Contrary to common perception, orthopaedic surgeons don’t only deal with bones – they also treat problems with joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves and tendons.
Many orthopaedic surgeons choose to specialise in certain areas of the body, such as hands, shoulders and elbows, or feet, knees and ankles. They may also focus on specific fields such as trauma, sports medicine, oncology (bone tumours and cancers), paediatrics or reconstructive surgery.
Orthopaedic surgeons also often find themselves involved in the legal side of their patient’s injury, if it was caused by some kind of road or industrial accident. In these instances, they may be asked to assess the nature of the disability and the degree to which it impacts on the long-term health and income-earning potential of the person concerned.
Types of Orthopaedic Surgery
Although a specialist in the field of orthopaedic surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon may often only use surgery as a last resort treatment, preferring instead to try other methods first. Treatment plans could include medication, exercise and rehabilitative or physical therapy. If surgery is required, however, modern day techniques mean many operations are minimally invasive, keyhole procedures.
Common types of orthopaedic surgery include:
- Fusion – the process by which bones are fused together using bone grafts and metal rods so that they heal into one solid bone.
- Arthroscopy – a specialised procedure using cameras to help diagnose and treat problems inside a joint.
- Joint replacement – Common in older people, this involves the replacement of an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial prosthesis.
- Internal Fixation – this uses metal plates, screws or pins to hold broken pieces of bone together while they heal.
- Soft Tissue Repair – mending torn ligaments and tendons.
- Osteotomy – the cutting and repositioning of bones to correct a deformity.
At Health in Motion, we specialise in sports injuries and trauma orthopaedics, especially in the upper extremities. Dr Baba is a specialist in orthopaedic surgery and is intensely focused and passionate about the care and treatment of his patients.
Health In Motion has three areas of operation, conveniently located in Mount Edgecombe, Ballito and Umhlanga. Call us today to make an appointment.
