If you have had an injury, or have a musculoskeletal problem, an orthopaedic surgeon can help. They use both surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. This includes degenerative and trauma diseases of the bones and joints, sports injuries, and congenital disorders.
Casey Schomber recommends orthopaedic surgery
ACL reconstruction is one of the procedures that Casey Schomber recommends to patients. In fact, she has gone to Dr. Grant McDonald on numerous occasions, including a recent trip to get her son Gunnar’s arm repaired. The surgeon specializes in reconstructive surgery and has been treating Schombers’ family for years. After a work injury, Schombers suffered a degenerative condition to her left elbow that required a full reconstruction of her ACL. She was required to miss the summer of 2021 due to her ailment. However, Dr Navi Bali once the cast was removed, Schombers was ready to play football again.
X-rays
X-rays are an important part of orthopaedic care. They allow physicians to see fractures and fractured bones, and to see if a bone is growing properly. They also help diagnose other conditions and injuries. X-rays can also help identify foreign objects in soft tissues and bones. Moreover, they can help doctors detect bone cancer and metabolic disorders.
The technology used to take X-rays is very advanced. Today, most X-rays are digital, which is much safer than older films. Furthermore, digital x-rays allow physicians to easily transfer and share images. The results are also instantly available.
Sports medicine physicians
Sports medicine physicians provide comprehensive care for sports injuries. Their focus is on getting patients back to optimal function, and they also serve as team physicians. The doctors will often work with other medical providers, including physical therapists and athletic trainers, to get patients back to their pre-injury state.
While some sports medicine physicians specialize in orthopedic surgery, most work in non-surgical settings. These physicians specialize in nonsurgical therapies and may refer patients to orthopedic surgeons when necessary. Sports medicine physicians may also provide advice on nutrition and rehabilitation. Patients suffering from more severe sports injuries should seek orthopedic surgery.
Waiting times for surgery
Waiting times for orthopaedic surgeries vary across the country. The number of patients who wait more than 26 weeks for their surgery decreased from 75% in 2007 to 10% in 2013. However, waiting times increased again from 10% in 2013 to 25% in 2019. This increase in waiting times has been attributed to the growing population, as well as the fact that the waiting list for surgery is increasing as the population gets older.
Western Australia and Victoria had the lowest waiting times. Meanwhile, Tasmania had the longest. Of these, a median waiting time of 55 days was recorded. The wait for a 90th percentile was 491 days.
Specialties of orthopedists
Orthopedists may specialize in various areas, including spinal surgery and joint replacement. They may also specialize in treating conditions of the feet and ankles. They may also focus on pediatric orthopedics and help patients with growth and development issues. A variety of techniques are available to treat these problems.
The most common reason that patients see an orthopedist is for joint replacement. This is sometimes necessary because severe arthritis has damaged a joint. It can also be needed because of a direct trauma to a joint. An orthopedist will treat these problems using both surgical and non-surgical methods. One example of surgical treatment is arthroscopy, which involves using a small camera to repair joint damage.