As Canada’s largest network of independent surgical facilities, Surgical Solutions Network offers a wide variety of surgical procedures to improve the health of Canadians, including orthopedic surgery.
In this blog, we’ll cover what orthopedic surgeons do and why you may need their expertise if you’re struggling with joint pain from conditions like osteoarthritis.
What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. This system enables movement and includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
An orthopedic surgeon’s expertise covers a broad spectrum of disorders, from acute sports injuries to degenerative diseases. Our highly trained surgeons perform a variety of procedures to restore function, relieve pain, and improve our patients’ mobility and quality of life.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
Orthopedic surgeons handle everything from joint replacement surgeries to fracture repairs, ligament reconstruction, and arthroscopic surgeries. Some common surgeries and the conditions they treat include:
Hip Surgery
Hip fractures, osteoarthritis, and other hip conditions can lead to debilitating pain and limited mobility. Orthopedic surgeons may perform hip arthroscopy to diagnose and treat hip joint problems and hip replacement surgery (total hip arthroplasty) to replace damaged or diseased hip joints with prosthetic components. Our surgeons also offer a less invasive, bone-preserving alternative called hip resurfacing. The right procedure for your condition will be determined by your surgeon, after reviewing your diagnostics during your consultation.
Knee Surgery
Knee surgeries are often performed to treat injuries such as ligament tears, meniscus tears, and arthritis. Partial or total knee replacement surgery involves replacing damaged knee joint surfaces with prosthetic components to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Spine Surgery
Back pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other spine disorders can significantly impact your quality of life. Our fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons specialize in treating these conditions using state-of-the-art and minimally invasive techniques. Learn more about our spine surgery options.
Elbow Surgery
Elbow surgeries are indicated for conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and fractures. Orthopedic surgeons may perform procedures such as arthroscopy, ligament repair, or elbow replacement surgery to treat pain caused by injury, overuse, or arthritis.
Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder injuries and conditions such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and arthritis can cause pain and limited mobility. Depending on your condition, orthopedic surgeons may recommend surgical procedures such as arthroscopic shoulder surgery or shoulder replacement surgery to relieve symptoms and improve your range of motion.
Foot, Ankle, & Toe
Orthopedic surgeons treat conditions affecting the lower extremities after nonsurgical interventions have failed. Procedures such as ankle replacement surgery may be performed to restore stability and function to the joint, while an exploratory procedure, such as foot arthroscopy, can investigate (and, in most cases, treat) the causes of pain and inflammation without needing a second surgery.
Hand & Wrist Surgery
Our orthopedic surgeons perform hand and wrist arthroscopy to restore dexterity and function. We use minimally invasive techniques to check for infection, loose cartilage, arthritis, or instability within the hand and wrist. Arthroscopic surgery keeps scarring and recovery time to a minimum.
Why Do Patients Seek Orthopedic Care?
Patients may turn to orthopedic surgery for various reasons, including:
- Chronic pain or stiffness in the joints, bones, or muscles
- Sports injuries or other trauma impacting mobility and function
- Difficulty performing daily activities
- Degenerative conditions such as arthritis that impact the joints
- Impaired function in the hands, feet, or spine that affects quality of life
How To Select the Best Orthopedic Surgeon for You
If you are searching for the best orthopedic surgeon in Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver, you may feel overwhelmed by your choices. How do you narrow down your options? Here are some things for you to consider:
- Credentials and Experience: Is your surgeon a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada? Have they completed a fellowship in orthopedic surgery or have advanced training or experience in the procedure you require? If you’re considering medical tourism, we strongly recommend staying in Canada for your orthopedic surgery to ensure your orthopedic surgeon is appropriately credentialled.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to confirm you’re in good hands.
- Communication and Bedside Manner: Look for a surgeon who communicates effectively, listens to your concerns, and involves you in the decision-making process regarding your treatment plan.
- Surgical Facility and Resources: Research the surgical centre where your surgery would be performed to make sure that it meets accreditation standards for safety, quality, and patient care.
- Follow-up Care: Inquire about the medical team’s approach to postoperative care, rehabilitation protocols, and follow-up appointments to ensure comprehensive support throughout your recovery journey.
Request a Consultation
If you would like to explore your private surgical options within our network of fellowship-trained surgical care providers in Canada, contact us today to learn more and request a consultation.