Musculoskeletal system conditions and injuries, particularly injuries of the hand, arm, and shoulder, are all too common – and can keep you from doing the activities that you usually do. Thankfully, these injuries and conditions can be treated with surgical and nonsurgical methods (conservative treatments).
Typically, an orthopedic surgeon (a doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents musculoskeletal injuries) recommends surgeries only when conservative treatments like medications, injections, and physical therapy have been exhausted.
There are myriads of surgical procedures that your orthopedic surgeon can perform to help you get back to the life you used to live before an orthopedic problem or injury. Let’s talk about the most common procedures an orthopedic surgeon can perform and where you can find the best orthopedic surgeon in Plantation, FL.
Fracture Repair Surgery
A fracture is a break in bones, either partial or complete. Mostly your broken bones heal on their own with a cast or immobilization. But sometimes, when the fracture is complex (your bone is broken into several small and large pieces), fracture repair surgery is needed.
During the surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will reposition your fractured bone pieces and secure them using metal screws, pins, and rods.
Arthroscopy
In this procedure, your orthopedic surgeon diagnoses your joint condition and treats it using an arthroscope,a long tube-like device with a small camera. In this procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will make a small incision to get a clear image of the damage.
After the diagnosis, your orthopedic surgeon will fix your problem using a small instrument. This minimally invasive procedure diagnoses and treats shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears.
Joint Replacement Surgery
When the cartilage (a connective tissue that acts as a shock absorber between the joints) gets damaged due to arthritis, joint replacement surgery is recommended.
During the surgery, your surgeon will replace your damaged joint with an artificial joint or prosthetic to ease joint pain and improve mobility.
Most common replacement surgeries include shoulder replacement surgery, in which the bone in the damaged area of the joint or the entire shoulder joint is removed and replaced with an artificial part or joint.
Carpal tunnel release
Carpel tunnel release is a surgical process to treat carpal tunnel syndrome – a hand problem that can result in debilitating symptoms.
During the surgery, the ligament pressing or irritating the median nerve is cut to relieve the pressure on the median nerve and ease carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Your orthopedic surgeon may perform carpal tunnel release surgery either with an endoscope,a device with a tiny camera (endoscopic surgery), or without an endoscope (open surgery).
In endoscopic surgery, an endoscope is used by the surgeon to see inside the carpal tunnel. One or two small incisions are made in the hand or wrist to cut the ligament. On the other hand, in open surgery, an incision is made in the palm over the carpal tunnel to cut the ligament and release the nerve.
Orthopedic Surgeries in Plantation, FL
If you have a problem with your hands and wrist impairing your daily routine activities, visit us at The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center. Our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Tosca Kinchelow, is always here to provide you best orthopedic care for your needs. Dr. Tosca Kinchelow is specially trained to diagnose and treat problems related to the upper extremities and has extensive surgical experience in performing upper extremity procedures.
To make an appointment, feel free to call us at (954) 635-5300 or use our convenient Request an Appointment Form.
