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Arthritis Surgery: Types and What to Expect

Individuals struggling with arthritis may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion that can affect their quality of life. When non-surgical treatments no longer alleviate these symptoms, surgery may be recommended. Read on to learn about the types of surgical procedures and what to expect.

Types of Arthritis Surgery
There are different surgeries your doctor may suggest based on the type and severity of your arthritis and overall health. Here are some of them:

Arthroscopy

This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a device called an arthroscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera that’s inserted into the joint. It allows doctors to diagnose and treat your condition by repairing torn tissues or removing broken cartilage pieces.

Osteotomy

An osteotomy is typically used for knee or hip arthritis. It involves cutting and repositioning bones to correct misalignment and distribute weight evenly. This procedure can effectively relieve stress on the affected joints and even help delay the need for a total replacement.

Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)

This type of surgery involves fusing the two bones forming the joint until they form into one rigid unit, reducing or eliminating painful arthritis symptoms significantly. Arthrodesis is usually done on smaller joints, including those in the ankle, wrist, and fingers.

Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Arthroplasty involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial one made from metal, plastic, or ceramic. While this surgery is commonly performed on the hip and knee, it can also be done on the elbow, shoulder, ankle, and wrist.

What To Expect During Arthritis Surgery

Now that you know about common arthritis surgeries, you might wonder what happens once you’re up for the procedure. Here’s what to expect:

Before Surgery: You’ll undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure you’re ready for the procedure. This includes a physical examination, medical history review, and even pre-surgical tests. You may also be asked to stop certain medications or do fasting.

During Surgery: The specifics of arthritis surgeries will depend on the type being performed. However, general or local anesthesia is typically administered during these procedures to ensure comfort.

After Surgery: Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery, severity of arthritis, and overall health. After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for any adverse effects, prescribed pain relief medications, and recommended rehabilitation techniques, like physical therapy.

Learning about the types of arthritis surgery and what to expect is helpful should you need to undergo this procedure. For more information about your options, consult an expert. Contact us at the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center for reliable medical care in Omaha, NE.

Signs You Need Professional Pain Management

Pain can be felt in various parts of the body and stem from different sources, such as injuries and medical conditions. While some people only experience painful symptoms for a given amount of time, others may suffer from them for much longer.

When pain is not managed effectively, it can cause further discomfort and worsen any existing illnesses, leading to reduced quality of life. Because of this, it’s essential to determine when to seek help from a pain management doctor. Read on to learn about some helpful warning signs.

You Experience Chronic Pain

Pain should typically subside with time, whether it’s from injuries, surgical procedures, or other minor conditions. But when mild discomfort that becomes intense or already severe pain doesn’t completely go away for months, it should be a cause for concern.

Your Pain Begins to Spread to Other Areas

Another sign to watch out for is when the pain starts spreading to other parts of your body. This could indicate that your condition is worsening or that it needs more advanced treatment. When this occurs, early intervention from a professional is crucial to enable more effective pain management.

Over-the-Counter Medications Are Ineffective

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are a common remedy for headaches, back pain, minor injuries, and other bodily discomfort. They help reduce painful symptoms and offer temporary relief.

When these medications become ineffective, it may indicate that you need a different or stronger prescription or even an alternative treatment, like physical therapy. Consulting a physician will help you determine the best pain management method for your needs.

Your Pain Affects Your Quality of Life

While it’s possible to make lifestyle modifications to manage pain, it becomes a different story when these symptoms cause significant negative impacts on your life. This includes failing to do your daily routines, canceling weekend plans, experiencing limited range of motion, and having trouble sleeping due to pain.

Instead of letting these symptoms continue impacting your quality of life, seek medical attention. Pain management physicians can diagnose your condition and recommend the best way to manage discomfort and restore normal bodily functions.

Seek Help From a Trusted Pain Management Doctor

With these signs, you can better assess whether it’s time for professional pain management. Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center has reliable and experienced physicians who can help. Contact us for more information about our healthcare services in Omaha, NE.

5 Most Common Outpatient Surgeries

Outpatient surgery, also known as ambulatory or same-day surgery, often allows patients to go home right after the procedure. These medical treatments can be performed at various places, including the doctor’s office or an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC).

Aside from the lower costs from the absence of a hospital stay, this type of surgery is easier to schedule and is less stressful, as you can recover at home. Read on to learn about some common outpatient surgeries.

Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a condition in which the eyes’ natural lens becomes cloudy, often requiring a replacement to restore clear vision. It is usually caused by old age but may also occur due to trauma. During cataract surgery, the doctor removes the natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Septoplasty
This is a type of surgery used in treating a deviated septum. Depending on your condition, you may be put under general or local anesthesia during septoplasty. Here, the doctor creates an incision on one side of your nose, allowing them to reshape, reposition, or remove parts of the septum’s bone and cartilage as needed.

Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
An arthroplasty involves replacing, remodeling, or realigning a joint to restore its functionality. This surgery may be necessary if you experienced severe trauma to the hip or knee or have conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Myomectomy
This surgery involves the removal of uterine fibroids in women. These growths in the uterus are usually not cancerous but may cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. Different types of myomectomy procedures may be performed based on the size, number, and location of the fibroids.

Rotator Cuff Repair
The rotator cuff is the group of muscles connecting the shoulder joint to the upper arm. These muscles can tear due to repetitive stress or injuries, causing varying levels of pain. A rotator cuff surgery may be recommended when your condition requires repairing, reattaching, or replacing the affected tendons.

Visit an Ambulatory Center Near You
If you need same-day surgery, talk to your doctor for proper guidance. Contact the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center for reliable outpatient medical care in Omaha, NE.

What You Should Know About Wrist Tendonitis

Wrist tendonitis occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the muscles of your bones and fingers become inflamed. This condition can cause pain and discomfort when moving the wrist, making otherwise simple tasks difficult and disrupting your daily routine. Read on to learn more.

What Causes Wrist Tendonitis?
There are many causes of wrist tendon inflammation, with the most common ones being trauma, overuse, and repetitive stress. This may occur due to playing sports, writing, using the computer for long hours, and physical tasks involving your hands and wrists, like heavy lifting or hammering. In addition, other factors that may put you at risk of tendonitis include:

Chronic disorders like diabetes, arthritis, and gout
Weak wrist posture
Old age
Poorly positioned joints or bones

What Are the Symptoms of Wrist Tendonitis?
Aside from pain, you may experience stiffness or weakness when moving your wrist or fingers because of tendonitis. Warmth, redness, and swelling around the wrist joint or the base of your fingers are also common symptoms of this disorder.

How Is Wrist Tendonitis Treated?
There are various treatment options for wrist tendonitis. Depending on your condition, your healthcare provider may recommend the following:

Medication – To alleviate painful symptoms, your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If necessary, they may also recommend corticosteroid injections.
Immobilization – Using supportive devices like a splint can stabilize and immobilize your wrist. Doing so helps prevent further injuries while aiding healing.
Physical Therapy – Gentle exercises help improve your wrist’s strength and range of motion, efficiently managing pain and regaining usual movement. Your therapist will work with you to create an ideal personalized treatment plan.
Surgery – Surgery may be required when initial treatments fail or if the tendon is damaged. The procedure is typically minimally invasive and only requires a small incision to be made, but more severe cases of tendonitis may be treated with open surgery.

Now that you know more about wrist tendonitis, you can better assess whether you or a loved one is experiencing this problem. When this happens, it’s best to seek help from a doctor immediately to ensure prompt treatment and prevent your condition from worsening. Contact or visit the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center for trusted medical care in Omaha, NE.

What Is an Orthopedic Doctor?

Orthopedics focuses on disorders concerning the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones and muscles. Medical professionals who are experts in this field of medicine are called orthopedic doctors or orthopedists. Here’s what you need to know:

What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?
Orthopedic doctors specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing issues involving the bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. They can also manage pain, prevent certain conditions from worsening, and improve your range of motion and overall quality of life.

In addition to sports injuries like sprains and bone fractures, orthopedists can treat other musculoskeletal disorders. Some common conditions include the following:

Arthritis
ACL injuries
Back pain
Bone tumors
Carpal tunnel
Clubfoot
Osteoporosis
Sciatica
Tennis Elbow

What Type of Treatments Do Orthopedic Doctors Do?
There are various treatment options for different musculoskeletal problems. Depending on your condition and its severity, an orthopedic doctor can recommend the ideal remedies, including non-surgical or conservative procedures. Some of these are:

Medication – To relieve pain and swelling, orthopedists may prescribe over-the-counter painkillers. They may also recommend steroids or cortisone injections.
Immobilization – Injuries like trauma and fractures need to be immobilized to promote healing. Orthopedic doctors may use orthotics, braces, or casting.
Exercises – Regular exercises help improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Your orthopedist can recommend an ideal routine for your condition to aid recovery.

Meanwhile, for more severe conditions, including those that don’t improve with initial conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended. Orthopedists can perform various surgical procedures, including arthroscopy, soft tissue repair, knee and joint replacement, release surgery, and osteotomy.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor?
Critical injuries like dislocations and breaks are not the only ones that call for a visit to a doctor. Some musculoskeletal problems that may seem minor might be caused by an underlying condition only a professional can diagnose and treat, preventing them from worsening. Here are some signs you need orthopedic care:

Persistent pain, swelling, or inflammation of a joint or muscle
Numbness or tingling
Reduced mobility or range of motion
Trouble walking or standing
Difficulty performing daily activities

Get Reliable Orthopedic Care at OSSC
Orthopedic doctors play a vital role in improving musculoskeletal health. Whether recovering from a sports injury or seeking relief from muscle pain, it’s best to consult the right medical professional to get the proper treatment for your needs. Contact the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center for expert orthopedic and surgical care in Omaha, NE.

Category: Blog