If you have severe or debilitating pain or disability in your joints, bones, or muscles, you will want to be evaluated by an experienced orthopedist. Orthopedic surgeons will almost always exhaust conservative (nonsurgical) methods of treatment before recommending orthopedic surgery.
Any surgery is invasive to a certain degree, and you will likely be placed under general anesthesia during an orthopedic surgery procedure. Therefore, the doctor will first want to conduct a full health analysis to ensure that you are a qualified candidate for orthopedic surgery.
When Is Orthopedic Surgery the Right Solution for Me?
The doctor will run one or more tests in order to evaluate your condition and determine which treatments would be most appropriate for your condition. The physician will also analyze whether you are eligible for the operation – such as if you have any underlying health conditions that would render surgery as not an option.
The following considerations will be given when deciding whether you are qualified for orthopedic surgery:
Severe Pain, Disability, and Low Quality of Life
There are many non-invasive and minimally invasive options that are now available to treat orthopedic conditions. Some of them include physical therapy, injection therapy (for immediate and long-lasting pain relief), regenerative treatments like stem cell therapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, and alternative treatments such as acupuncture.
However, if you have severe osteoarthritis, hairline bone fractures, nerve impingement, or severe tendon or ligament injuries that have caused joint pain and disability, then orthopedic surgery may be your best option. Any of these conditions can prevent you from living a normal life.
Good Overall Health
Not all patients with severe pain and disability can undergo surgery. For instance, a patient with may not be eligible for this type of surgery, because the disease can severely impact postoperative healing. If you have diabetes, you are at an increased risk of post-surgery complications.
If your orthopedic surgeon determines that your health is good enough for you to endure surgery, and that the likelihood of a good outcome is positive, then you will likely be qualified for the operation.
Assessment by an Orthopedic Surgeon
Advances in orthopedic surgery are continually being made, and a skilled orthopedic surgeon may recommend less-invasive options. Minimally invasive surgery requires only tiny incisions and therefore less disturbance to healthy tissues. These surgeries include arthroscopy and the latest robotic surgery, which provides almost no room for human error. You and your orthopedist will discuss which type of procedure would work best for you.
Top Orthopedic Surgeons in Naples, FL
Here at the Joint Replacement Institute, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in orthopedic surgeries and are up-to-date on the latest advancements that can further help our patients live better lives. Since 2008, we have been providing medical care for the orthopedic needs of our patients.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic surgeons, contact our friendly staff today by calling the Joint Replacement Institute at (239) 261-2663 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you in our beautiful Naples facility.
