What is Orthopedics?
Orthopedics, also known as orthopedics surgery, is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The word orthopedics is derived from the Greek words "ortho" meaning straight and "paideia" meaning child rearing, as early orthopedic practices involved correcting childhood bone deformities. However, modern orthopedics extends well beyond pediatric care and focuses on a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting people of all ages.
Orthopedic specialists, or orthopedists, address a variety of health problems including fractures, joint pain, arthritis, congenital deformities, and sports injuries. The ultimate goal of orthopedic care is to help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life
What is Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is a procedure where a damaged or worn-out joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. This surgery is commonly performed on major joints such as the hips, knees, and shoulders. Joint replacement is typically recommended when conservative treatments, such as medications or physical therapy, fail to relieve chronic joint pain and impaired movement caused by conditions like arthritis, trauma, or wear and tear
The most common types of joint replacement surgeries are
- Total Hip Replacement (THR): Involves replacing the entire hip joint with a prosthetic one
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Replacing the knee joint with artificial materials
- Shoulder Replacement: Replacing parts or the entire shoulder joint
- Partial Joint Replacement: Where only part of the joint is replaced, common in certain knee surgeries
Dr. Vijay Srinivas Sanagundla
MS(Ortho), MRCS(UK)
orthopedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon
The prosthetic implants used in joint replacement are made of materials like metal, plastic, or ceramic and are designed to mimic the function of a natural joint
Which Conditions Do Orthopedists Treat?
Orthopedists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from acute injuries to chronic degenerative diseases. Some common conditions include
- Fractures and Dislocations: Orthopedists treat broken bones, dislocated joints, and complex trauma cases
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe joint damage, and orthopedists help manage these conditions through medication, therapy, or surgery
- Back Pain: Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis fall under the purview of orthopedic care
- Sports Injuries: Orthopedists treat injuries like torn ligaments, tendons, and meniscus tears
- Congenital Disorders: Conditions like clubfoot, scoliosis, and hip dysplasia in children
- Tendonitis and Bursitis: These inflammatory conditions affecting the tendons and bursae are common in active individuals
- Bone Tumors: Orthopedists also help in diagnosing and managing bone cancer
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve compression disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome are also managed by orthopedists
What are the types of Orthopedics?
Orthopedics covers a wide range of subspecialties, each focusing on different aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Some of the key types of orthopedic practices include
Sports Medicine
Focuses on treating and preventing injuries related to sports and physical activity, such as ACL tears or rotator cuff injuries
Pediatric Orthopedics
Specializes in treating bone and joint conditions in children, such as scoliosis, limb length discrepancies, and congenital deformities
Spine Surgery
Focuses on treating conditions affecting the spine, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or scoliosis
Joint Replacement
Involves replacing damaged joints with prosthetic implants, commonly performed on the hip, knee, or shoulder
Trauma Surgery
Deals with severe injuries like fractures, dislocations, and complex trauma cases
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Treats conditions specific to the foot and ankle, including fractures, sprains, and deformities
Hand and Wrist Surgery
Specializes in treating injuries or disorders affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or fractures
What are the Treatments in Orthopedics?
Orthopedic treatments vary depending on the condition being treated, but they can generally be categorized into non-surgical and surgical treatments
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medications: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications to manage conditions like arthritis
- Physical Therapy: To strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and rehabilitate after injuries
- Bracing and Casting: Used to immobilize and heal broken bones or injured ligaments
- Corticosteroid Injections: Anti-inflammatory injections for conditions like tendonitis and arthritis
- PRP Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses the patient’s own blood components to promote healing
Surgical Treatments
- Joint Replacement: As discussed earlier, this involves replacing damaged joints with prosthetic implants
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery where a small camera is inserted into the joint for diagnosis or treatment
- Spinal Fusion: Fusing two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine in cases of severe back pain or injury
- Fracture Repair: Surgically repairing broken bones with plates, screws, or rods
- Tendon or Ligament Repair: Procedures to repair torn tendons or ligaments, such as ACL reconstruction.
- Bone Grafting: Transplanting bone tissue to repair or rebuild damaged bones
What Kind of Operations are Performed by Orthopedic Surgeons?
Orthopedic surgeons perform a variety of surgical procedures, including
- Joint Replacement Surgery: Hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are among the most common surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeons
- Fracture Repair: Using metal plates, rods, or screws to stabilize and heal broken bones
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgeries used to diagnose and treat joint problems like cartilage damage
- Spinal Surgery: Procedures such as spinal fusion, laminectomy, or discectomy to treat back pain and other spinal conditions
- Tendon Repair: Repairing torn tendons such as the Achilles tendon or rotator cuff
- Corrective Surgery for Deformities: Surgery to correct congenital or acquired deformities in bones and joints
- Ligament Reconstruction: Surgery to repair torn ligaments, such as ACL surgery
When Should You Visit an Orthopedician?
You should consider visiting an orthopedician if you experience any of the following
- Persistent joint pain that doesn't improve with rest or medication
- Difficulty performing daily tasks due to joint stiffness or pain
- A noticeable deformity in a bone or joint
- Limited range of motion in your joints
- A sports-related injury that doesn’t heal properly
- Chronic back pain or other spinal issues.
- Recurring problems with arthritis or other degenerative conditions
Orthopedic care is also vital for those with traumatic injuries such as fractures or dislocations that need immediate surgical intervention
Who is Involved in the Orthopedic Team?
Orthopedic care often involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including
- Orthopedic Surgeons: Specialists who perform surgical procedures to correct musculoskeletal issues
- Physiotherapists: They help patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility through exercises and therapies
- Nurses: Play a crucial role in pre- and post-operative care
- Occupational Therapists: Help patients return to daily activities by teaching them how to manage with physical limitations
- Orthopedic Technologists: Assist in procedures such as casting and bracing
- Pain Management Specialists: Help manage chronic pain associated with orthopedic conditions
Sravanthi Hospitals – Best Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Hospital in Vijayawada
When it comes to world-class orthopedic care, Sravanthi Hospitals in Vijayawada stands out as a leading institution. Specializing in orthopedic and joint replacement surgeries, the hospital is known for providing comprehensive care with the latest technology and a team of expert professionals. Sravanthi Hospitals has built a reputation for delivering successful outcomes in joint replacement surgeries, fracture management, and sports injury treatments
Why Choose Dr. Vijay Srinivas Sanagundla?
Dr. Vijay Srinivas Sanagundla is one of the most highly regarded orthopedic surgeons in Vijayawada, known for his expertise in joint replacement surgeries and other orthopedic treatments. With years of experience and specialized training in orthopedic and joint replacement surgeries, Dr. Sanagundla has helped numerous patients regain their mobility and live pain-free lives. His patient-centered approach, combined with cutting-edge techniques, makes him the top choice for orthopedic care in Vijayawada
Best Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Vijayawada
If you're considering joint replacement surgery, you want to be treated by the best in the field. Dr. Vijay Srinivas Sanagundla is widely recognized as the leading orthopedic joint replacement surgeon in Vijayawada. His success in complex joint surgeries has earned him the trust of patients and peers alike. Whether you're dealing with arthritis, sports injuries, or chronic joint pain, Dr. Sanagundla offers compassionate care, backed by years of experience and successful patient outcomes
Orthopedics plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, helping individuals lead healthier, more mobile lives. Whether it's joint pain, sports injuries, or degenerative conditions like arthritis, orthopedic care offers a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments to address these issues. For residents in Vijayawada, Sravanthi Hospitals and Dr. Vijay Srinivas Sanagundla provide top-notch orthopedic and joint replacement services, making them the go-to choice for patients seeking specialized orthopedic care.
Our dedicated team is fully equipped and available around the clock to assist you