Orthopedic surgeons are specialized in the musculoskeletal system; many orthopedists specialize in certain areas of the body, such as foot and ankle, hand and wrist, back, or neck and spine. Additionally, orthopedic doctors may focus on a specific field of orthopedics, like pediatrics, sports medicine, and trauma.

The word arthritis literally means “joint inflammation.” Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that damages the lining surrounding our joints while also destroying our bones, tissue, and joints over time.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that slowly damages the cartilage surrounding the ends of bones and is common in the hip, knee, and spine.

A ligament is an elastic band of tissue that connects bone to bone and provides stability to the joint.

Most orthopedic injuries and conditions are treated without surgery, using a range of treatments that include activity modification, physical therapy, and medications. Surgery is an option for certain orthopedic problems and often for those conditions that do not alleviate symptoms.

At times it pays to be a skeptic and have reasonable doubts, but you should trust the recommendations of your health care providers. Seek a second or third opinion, but if the original recommendation is confirmed and validated do not try to delay or avoid following recommendations any further.

Cartilage is a soft, rubbery, gel-like coating on the ends of bones, where they articulate, that protects joints and facilitates movement.

Arthroscopic surgery is a surgical procedure that is commonly performed to diagnose and treat problems within the joint. By using high-tech cameras, the orthopaedic surgeon inserts a small instrument, called an arthroscope, into the joint.

It is a surgical procedure that is performed to replace an arthritic or damaged joint with a new, artificial joint, called a prosthesis. Joint replacements can be performed on every joint in the body, but most commonly performed in the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow.

Joints contain cartilage, a soft, rubbery gel-like coating on the ends of bones, where they articulate, that protects joints and facilitate movement and over time, or if the joint has been injured, the cartilage wears away and the bones of the joint start rubbing together. As the bones rub together, bone spurs may form, and the joint becomes stiff and painful. Most people have joint replacement surgery when they can no longer control the pain with medication and other treatments and the pain is significantly interfering with their lives.

Your doctor will instruct you about post-treatment exercises – the type and the duration to be followed. You may be referred to a physical therapist to help with strengthening and range of motion exercises following surgery.

Total hip replacements are most often done to provide relief for severe arthritic conditions. The surgery is also performed for other problems like hip fractures. Most total hip replacement patients are over 55 years of age, however, the surgery is sometimes performed on younger patients. Patients who are candidates for total hip replacement surgery generally have:

• Severe pain that impedes work and everyday activities
• Pain that can not be managed by anti-inflammatory medications, canes or walkers
• Significant stiffness of the hip
• Advanced arthritis or other problem

The success rate for this surgery is high, with greater than 95% of patients experiencing relief from hip pain. The success rate of hip replacements 10 years after surgery is 90- 95% and at 20 years 80-85%.

Minimally invasive total knee replacement is a resurfacing knee replacement that is performed through a less invasive exposure that minimizes the cutting of the normal tendons around the knee and is performed through a smaller incision.

Knee replacement surgery works best for patients with severe arthritis throughout the knee. This is seen most often in older adults, but can also occur in younger patients due to a significant injury or infection.

When arthritis knee pain severely limits the ability to walk, work or perform the most simple of tasks, knee replacement should be considered.