Repair & Reconstruction

Orthopedic surgery is performed on the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, nerves and connective tissue that binds parts of the body together. Orthopedic surgeries fall into two overall categories: surgeries to repair and reconstruct musculoskeletal elements, and surgeries to replace parts of that system, most notably joints.

A musculoskeletal problem in any part of the body can have an enormous impact on a person’s day-to-day activities. A common treatment for many orthopedic injuries and conditions is the repair or reconstruction of the injured body part with surgery.

Once a patient’s condition or injury has been diagnosed, an orthopedic specialist will discuss all treatment options. Depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s individual situation, these can include medicine, rehabilitation, nonsurgical injections and procedures, immobilization, and surgery.

Orthopedic surgeries can address and correct problems that occur at birth, through injury or as a result of aging. Depending on the type of surgery, it may be performed under general or local anesthetics.

Surgical repair or reconstruction of a joint, bone, muscle, cartilage, nerve or ligament can be completed by one of the following procedures:

  • Fusion: Q welding process fuses bones together with bone grafts and internal devices such as metal rods to heal into a solid bone
  • Internal fixation: This procedure uses metal plates, screws or pins to hold broken pieces in place while a bone is healing
  • Osteotomy: Corrects bone deformity by cutting and repositioning the bone. This can correct bones that were healed improperly after a trauma or, in some cases, help delay total joint replacement
  • Soft tissue repair: Mends soft tissue, such as a torn tendon or ligament, or a stretched nerve
  • Arthroscopy: This is a soft tissue repair procedure where a surgeon uses special equipment and a camera to evaluate, diagnose the specific condition, and treat a problem inside a joint, such as cartilage damage or an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) repair in the knee

Possible Risks of Orthopedic Surgery

As with any surgery, orthopedic surgeries for repair and reconstruction come with a risk of infection, excessive bleeding, allergic reactions to anesthesia, pain, and other complications. Prior to any surgery, the surgeon will discuss with the patient the specific risks associated with the repair or reconstruction surgery being considered.

Knowing that surgery will provide relief from pain and disability can be comforting, but the surgery can also cause anxiety and concerns. Our board-certified physicians specialize in the different areas of musculoskeletal problems and acquire considerable experience performing specific orthopedic surgical repairs and reconstructions. This allows patients to relax, knowing they are in the hands of an experienced orthopedic surgeon.

The surgeons at GSOS utilize minimally invasive surgeries whenever possible. This surgery method allows our patients to have a faster recovery time, better outcomes and reduced chance of post-surgery complications.

What to Expect After Orthopedic Surgery for Repair or Reconstruction

After orthopedic surgery, a patient can expect not to be able to use the body part that was operated on for a while. After a short recovery period, the care team may discuss physical therapy with the patient.

Physical therapy is an essential follow-up to surgery in many cases. Since each post-operative treatment and recovery plan is specific to the surgery and patient, our surgeons will make sure every patient understands the follow-up care prior to receiving treatment.