Most people will see the best orthopaedic at some point in their lives, and some people will see them often. However, there is often confusion about which conditions are treated orthopedically. Orthopaedics treatment is for the musculoskeletal system. This healthcare provider in medicine specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and nerves in patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.
What should I pay attention to when visiting an orthopedist?
With so many options and sub-specialties, how can I find the best orthopaedic that’s perfect for me?
Lastly, if I see an orthopaedic, does that automatically mean I will have surgery in the future?
Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to Know About Orthopaedic Surgeons
1) Surgeon or specialist?
Non-surgical orthopedists can be a good starting point for patients who do not have a clear diagnosis, and many orthopedic conditions can be effectively treated without surgery – in fact, up to 70% of all sports medicine injuries. When surgery is required, they refer the patient to an orthopedic surgeon or involve the surgeon in the treatment.
On the other hand, it is advisable to see an orthopedic surgeon if your suspected diagnosis involves surgery.
This brings us to another frequently asked question: Do you need to see your General Practitioner (PCP) before seeking orthopedic advice?
2) Role of PCP
If the injury is traumatic, caused by repetitive motion, you’re more likely to see an orthopedist – so there’s no reason not to see him right away.
On the other hand, PCP(Primary care provider) is the best person to start when patients experience a combination of orthopedic symptoms (bone and joint pain) and non-orthopedic symptoms.
When you should see an orthopedic surgeon or PCP, there are several indicators that signal that it’s time such as: chronic pain, difficulty to perform daily functions, motion difficulty, difficulty in walking or standing, if you have a sprain or other soft tissue injury.
3) Sub-specialist value
An orthopedist who specializes in treating a specific body part or condition is almost always the best option for the patient.
Sub-specialists have extensive experience and knowledge in their field. In addition to the obvious benefits, it can help them deal with complex and high-risk cases when they arise. Sub-specialization is very important when an operation is combined.
4) Healthy Resources
See an orthopedist who is backed by a reputable reputable healthcare system. In addition, professionals whose facilities conduct clinical trials may see greater potential for improving patient care.
What Can An Orthopedist Treat?
An orthopedist treats the diseases and injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedics treatment also helps in preventing the development of future orthopedic injuries and diseases.
Best orthopaedic surgeons in India use both surgical and non-surgical methods for the best ortho surgeries to correct abnormalities. These specialists work closely with other healthcare professionals and experts such as athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation medicine specialists. Regardless of where your joint problem lies, the best orthopedic surgeons in India work to find a solution that will keep you exporting. The orthopedic surgeons are trained by recognized medical institutions in India or abroad and have five to seven years of professional experience.
Which Are The Most Common Ortho Surgeries?
Knee Replacement
The knee is one of the most stressful joints in the body, but unfortunately it is often overloaded and injured. In knee replacement surgery, either a part (partial replacement) or the entire knee joint (complete replacement) can be replaced with an artificial one.
In most cases, this is necessary because the cartilage in the joint is damaged, which limits movement or is very painful. There are several things that can cause this, including knee injuries, bursitis, and obesity.
ACL Operation
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the critical part of the knee. Helps you stay steady on your feet. If this ligament is torn, reconstructive surgery is required to restore it.
In this surgery, part of the tendon is removed from another part of the body and transplanted into the damaged part of the cruciate ligament. Usually this operation is not major and the patient can go home the same day.
Hip Replacement
Another common joint that is usually replaced is the hip joint. The hip joint consists of the acetabulum (nest) and the femoral head (ball).
Like the knee, the cartilage in the hip joint wears out over time, especially when it breaks. As with the knee, there are two different types of replacement surgery.
In many cases, the entire joint is replaced. However, there is another procedure known as Birmingham Hip Resurfacing which only replaces the damaged part of the joint. However, It’s not always preferable.
Shoulder Change
Another common joint replacement surgery is the shoulder. Like the knee or hip joints, the shoulders are often exposed to high loads.
Usually the upper part of the humerus, the bone in the upper arm, is removed and replaced with a metal ball. A plastic replacement is then inserted to replace the damaged part of the socket.
However, if your rotator cuff is also damaged, the socket is usually made of metal and a plastic replacement is used for the arm bone.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a procedure that can be performed on the knee or shoulder. This is a minimally invasive orthopedic procedure in which the surgeon places a small camera inside the body near the joint to get a clear picture of the injury.
You may need to have an arthroscopy before replacing your knee or shoulder so the surgeon knows the size of the injury and what exactly needs to be done.
Joint Fusion
If you have arthritis, there may be times when you need to have a joint splint. In this surgery, cartilage is removed from an uninjured area of the body and transplanted into an area where cartilage has been damaged.
Once this is done, the bones on both sides are completely fused to stabilize the joint. This procedure can be performed on the feet, ankles, spine, or toes.
What Are The Four Main Reasons That People Choose India For Their Ortho surgeries?
1. Cost Saving
The main reason why many international patients travel to India for ortho surgeries is the opportunity to save up to 15-85% of money compared to the cost of orthopaedics treatment in the United States.
2. Better maintenance
Experienced medical travelers know that equipment, facilities, and customer service at overseas treatment centers are often the same or better than in the United States. The Indian government has invested billions of dollars to upgrade their healthcare system which is now aggressively promoting international health tourists.
3. Shorter waiting time
For decades, thousands of UK and Canadian residents have waited for free universal healthcare plans Which has worsened their situation. Many of them have started thinking that it is much better to opt for the ortho surgery in India than suffering from the pain while waiting.
4. Special Treatment
Some procedures and prescriptions are not allowed in certain countries. Such orthopaedics treatment is often offered abroad. For example, the orthopedic procedure known as hip replacement surgery.
Final Words Of Wisdom
I understand being diagnosed with an orthopedic condition can cause stress. However, there are effective treatments for most orthopedic conditions, and many people find complete resolution of their symptoms if they take the right steps. Successful treatment may take time and effort, but it is well worth the investment. So, don’t let yourself suffer from the pain and find the best orthopaedic based on the above criteria.