What are the different types of orthopaedic surgery?
Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists consists of highly-trained surgeons, each of whom has expertise in one or more particular areas. Together, they provide comprehensive care for all types of orthopaedic concerns.
Depending on your needs, they may perform one of the following surgical procedures.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses a thin, flexible camera called an arthroscope to look inside your joint. Your surgeon inserts the scope through a buttonhole-sized incision near your joint. If they see a problem, they may insert tiny surgical instruments to treat it.
The team at Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists uses arthroscopy to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including knee problems like meniscus tears and shoulder problems like rotator cuff tears.
Joint replacement
Joint replacement is an open surgery that involves removing damaged tissue from a joint and replacing it with prosthetic parts. Severe arthritis and fractures are the most common reasons for joint replacement surgery. Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists performs knee, hip, wrist, finger and thumb, ankle, and shoulder replacements.
Robotic surgery
Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists utilizes the most advanced technology available, including the MAKO robotic surgical system. The MAKO robotic arm provides unparalleled precision for hip and knee replacements, including partial knee replacements.
Why would I need orthopaedic surgery?
Surgery is typically a last-resort treatment after trying more conservative methods, like physical therapy and activity modification. However, you may need surgery to treat a severe fracture or sports injury, like a completely torn tendon.
Problems that may require orthopaedic surgery include:
- Arthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle
- Fractures that shatter the bone into multiple pieces
- Shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears
- Knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Wrist pain, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ankle injuries, such as sprains
The team at Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
What is the recovery like after orthopaedic surgery?
The recovery process is different for every patient, so Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists develops a personalized rehabilitation plan for you. Recovery for a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure is generally faster and easier than that of a total joint replacement. Both procedures require a period of physical therapy and pain management.
If you think you may need surgery for an injury or condition like arthritis, call Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists.
