Most Common Outpatient Orthopedic Surgeries
Orthopedic surgeries usually involve operations in the musculoskeletal system, which comprises the bones and muscles, as well as tendons, joints, and ligaments. The word “surgery” might seem terrifying to some patients, especially with thoughts of a long hospital stay and recovery.
However, there are actually plenty of common orthopedic surgeries that are done on an outpatient basis where hospital admission is no longer needed. Here are the most common outpatient orthopedic surgeries usually performed in an outpatient surgery center in NC.
Surgery to repair the rotator cuff
An outpatient surgery to repair the rotator cuff of the shoulder may be done through a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy or keyhole surgery. In this process, surgeons at the surgery center in the Triangle make a small incision in the injured shoulder and then repair or reconstruct the injury with the use of thin surgical instruments.
Usually, this procedure is recommended when the patient can no longer find relief from nonsurgical treatments like medications, injections, and physical therapy, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
The patient will be asked to sit in a reclined chair or an operating table during the operation. After the injured shoulder has been sterilized and cleaned, the surgeon will inject a fluid to properly see the injury through the arthroscope. The arthroscope projects the image on a screen, from which the surgeon can see the damage that needs to be repaired.
The recovery period for this type of outpatient surgery takes about one to two hours in the hospital. Once home, the patient may still be asked to take it easy for a few weeks until the shoulder has completely healed.
Surgery to repair the knee or meniscectomy
Meniscectomy is another form of arthroscopy or keyhole surgery to fix a tear in knee ligaments, tendons, and muscles. This process is similar to the rotator cuff repair, wherein the surgeon at the surgery center in the Triangle uses an arthroscope and thin instruments to repair the damage.
However, this type of outpatient orthopedic surgery will still depend on the extent of the tear in the knees. If the damage is minimal, and won’t have a great impact on the patient’s activity level in the future, then the doctor may perform this procedure. Otherwise, the patient might have to undergo open knee surgery, per the University of Michigan Medicine.
A knee surgery takes about two to four weeks of recovery time. Returning to vigorous activities, however, will depend on the doctor’s evaluation and advice.
Neuroplasty for carpal tunnel
This procedure involves injecting corticosteroids to the fingers to provide relief from pain, numbness, and weakness of the hands brought about by carpal tunnel syndrome. In some cases, the doctor might conduct an endoscopic surgery, or a small incision to the wrist joint, to alleviate the pressure against the nerves and tendons of the fingers.
This outpatient surgery, also known as the median nerve anterior transposition procedure, has been proven to reduce the intolerable pain and tingling in the hands of a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hip Arthroscopy
The hip is connected to the femur with a ball and socket-like joint. The top portion of the femur forms the head, while the pelvis is the socket portion. The joint fits and functions smoothly with healthy hips, but if the patient has arthritis or another condition, they may experience pain or disability.
If limitations or pain becomes severe, then surgery may become an option. Traditionally the ball and socket are replaced with a prosthetic, while with hip arthroscopy, damaged portions of the hip are replaced. Hip arthroscopy is a less invasive procedure ensuring a faster recovery.
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Often foot or ankle surgery is required after repeated injury. Athletes are especially prone after years of running or jumping, causing stress on the area.
If the patient has had a fracture or repeated sprains, then the ankle may be unstable. If after a fracture the bones are out of alignment, then surgery will correct the break. The bones are repositioned to proper alignment and held together with rods and pins.
For repeated sprains and strains, surgeons repair the muscles and tendons to better support the ankle moving forward. After surgery, the patient wears a boot and may have crutches during recovery. Physical therapy helps rehabilitate the patient so the foot or ankle can make a full recovery.
Spinal Surgeries
Spinal surgeries can include:
The procedures are minimally invasive and vary in recovery length. Physical therapy is necessary for a successful recovery after any spinal procedure.
Trigger Finger Release
An inflamed tendon causes a trigger finger. The tendon is covered by a protective sheath that can become inflamed. When this happens, the finger can be limited in mobility or become “stuck” in a bent position, preventing it from being full of extension.
Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia at our orthopedic surgery center in the triangle.
Learn more about Raleigh Outpatient Surgery Center, Nc
Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center is the largest and most modern ambulatory surgery facility in Central and Eastern North Carolina to specialize exclusively in orthopaedics. Raleigh orthopedic surgeons are board-certified with advanced training in their respective sub-specialties. Our patients receive outstanding patient satisfaction, superior clinical outcomes and reduced costs. With our care, we are with you the entire way and keep you enjoying life even during injury.
Call Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center at 919-719-3070 for more information.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.