Different types of Orthopedic Surgeries

Due to our increased active lifestyles, orthopedic surgeries have become commonplace in sports medicine. This kind of surgery is usually performed by a certified, highly experienced, well-trained professional orthopedic surgeon. 

Orthopedic surgeries are aimed at tackling medical complications that may develop in the bones, muscles/tendons, ligaments and skeleton, among others after an injury. While engaging in sports can cause unmeasurable excitement for athletes, it can also result in minor, mild or severe sports injuries that may require an orthopedic surgery, whether aninvasive surgery or non-invasive orthopedic surgery.

Which are the most common orthopedic surgeries in sports medicine?

They are;

1.     Total Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder injuries are very common in sports activities such as rugby, wrestling, boxing, javelin, swimming and weight lifting. It is wise to seek medical assistance after suffering this kind of sports injury. Your doctor will inspect the extent of your shoulder damage before recommending a method of treatment from simple rehab to a full-on shoulder replacement orthopedic surgery. If surgery is required, an experienced orthopedic surgeon can effectively take you through the whole surgery procedure with minimal or without any complications. For a full shoulder replacement, a successful orthopedic surgery will ensure that all the damaged shoulder cartilages or bones are properly repaired or replaced with alternative metal/plastic implants to restore your shoulder joint movement.

2.     Total Joint Replacement

This is a common orthopedic surgery among athletes and non-athletes. It is not rare for those active in football, cycling, motorcycle/rally racing, rugby and running to develop severe joint damage due to overuse or injuries during an event or training. Arthritis is also known to lead to total joint replacement surgery. Patients needing this kind of orthopedic surgery have to ensure that they work with a reputable, vastly experienced, skilled and qualified orthopedic surgeon for their best treatment possible. An orthopedic surgeon will work tirelessly to replace severely damaged joints with plastic or metal parts that are shaped and designed to restore normal function or knee movement effectively.

3.     Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Many professional football players, rugby, or basketball players, cyclists, runners, dancers and gymnastics enthusiasts have suffered anterior cruciate ligament injuries. In order to continue engaging in their professional sports careers, they seek medical assistance from reputable sports medicine experts. A severe ACL injury may certainly trigger an orthopedic surgeon to recommend ACL reconstruction surgery so as to restore an athlete’s knee movement. Experienced Orthopedic surgeons have the ability to reconstruct a severely ruptured ligament through surgery, even using your own or donated tissues successfully. While your knee may take some time to completely heal after undergoing this type of orthopedic surgery, the procedure can quickly improve your knee's movement, and relieve pain and discomfort efficiently.

4.     Spine Surgery

Although spine injuries are rare in major sports activities such as football, soccer, swimming, and boxing, this type of debilitating injury can be catastrophic for any athlete. Nevertheless, there have been unique cases whereby athletes participating in rugby, wrestling, skiing, snowboarding, and horse-riding have suffered spinal injuries. In such cases, an orthopedic surgeon may perform a spine surgery to boost the patient’s chances of moving again without experiencing excruciating pain. Most of those who suffer from severe spine damage may be advised against going back to active sports indefinitely or for a certain period of time.

Never underestimate the role orthopedic surgeons/surgeries play in Sports Medicine.

Remember to live life to its Fullest

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Achilles Tendon Injuries & Torn Achilles

The Achilles tendon, which runs from your heel bones to your calf muscles, is commonly known as the largest tendon in your body. Unfortunately, Achilles tendon injuries can occur quite commonly in sports activities such as jumping, running, walking, football, Baseball, Softball soccer, tennis, swimming, and basketball among others.

Torn Achilles can be highly problematic for athletes, and often sidelines them completely during recovery. Achilles tendon injuries can hinder one's ability to move freely or perform in virtually any sports activity. This foot injury is best known for its ability to cause extreme discomfort and excruciating pain. But, it can be fixed.

What causes Achilles tendon injuries?

A torn/ruptured Achilles tendon can occur as a result of many things. For starters, Achilles injuries can affect anyone regardless of whether they are active in sports activities or not. These injuries can be caused by any of the following factors;

·      Wrong footwear

·      Overstretching

·      Fallen arches/flat feet

·      Steroid injections

·      Physical fitness activities

·      Age

·      Weak or stiff leg muscles/tendons

·      Consumption of fluoroquinolones antibiotics

·      Sudden leg movements

Symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries

·      Tenderness/swellings/stiffness

·      Excruciating pain

·      Movement problems, particularly when stretching your ankle or knee

·      Inability to stand on your toes

·      Skin discoloration

·      Bruising

·      Discomfort/uneasiness

·      Disturbed sleep patterns

·      Mood disorders such as stress and anxiety

Prevention of Achilles tendon injuries

You can lower risks of developing Achilles tendon tears/ruptures problems through the following tactics and tips;

·      Wear appropriate footwear: Resist from wearing high heels or uncomfortable, or ill-fitting shoes.

·      Engage in stretching the calf muscles to help create more flexibility in your tendons/muscles significantly.

·      Exercise regularly, and remember to warm up beforehand.

·      Avoid running, jumping or exercising on uneven surfaces.

·      Increase your training intensity at a slow pace.

·      Avoid engaging in risky or vigorous physical activities that may mount extreme stress on your tendon Achilles unnecessarily.

Diagnosis of Achilles tendon injuries

Achilles tendon ruptures or tears can be diagnosed through the following mechanisms;

1.     Physical exams

Any reputable healthcare professional or orthopedic doctor can conduct a thorough physical exam to diagnose a torn or ruptured tendon. Your GP may scrutinize your lower leg for swellings, tenderness, bruises or skin discoloration. A gap in your tendon Achilles may be an indication of a severe rupture.

2.     X-rays

The advancement in medicine technology has been a great boost to the general healthcare sector. Doctors can examine the extent of a torn/ruptured tendon Achilles through the use of x-rays.

3.     Ultrasounds

Your doctor may decide to conduct an in-depth inspection on your lower leg using ultrasounds to determine the extent of your Achilles inflammation, tear, rupture or any other damage.

4.     MRI Scans

MRI scans have become popular among doctors due to their effectiveness in facilitating detection of ruptured or torn Achilles.

Treatments for Tendon Injuries

Having a torn Achilles or ruptured tendon? Well, you don’t have to stress yourself excessively. Achilles injuries can be treated through the following techniques;

1.     Non-surgical methods

Doctors may be able to treat a torn Achilles using non-surgical, non-invasive methods such as exercising, elevation, ice, rest, stretching, or just being careful.

2.     Physical therapy

Your doctor can treat your torn/ruptured tendon using a physical therapy program.

3.     Surgery

This is normally the best option for treating severe Achilles tendon ruptures according to many doctors. Your GP may recommend an orthopedic surgery after realizing that all other treatment options are ineffective.

4.     Rehabilitation

Your doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program that combines regular exercises, well-balanced diet, and physical therapy after your non-surgical or surgical treatment for a quicker Achilles tendon injury recovery.

Remember to live life to its Fullest

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.