When less invasive treatments prove ineffective in correcting a musculoskeletal condition, your best bet for recovery of strength and functionality is orthopedic surgery. Performed by highly qualified specialists using the latest techniques and instrumentalities, today’s orthopedic surgeries can produce life-changing results.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to orthopedic surgery and where you can go for outstanding surgery in San Antonio, TX.
What Kind of Surgery Am I Having?
Many of today’s orthopedic surgeries are far less invasive than they were in the past. These simpler surgeries are called arthroscopic. They involve the use of miniaturized cameras to guide tiny surgical instruments through small incisions to affect a wide range of repairs. These surgeries require fewer sutures and shorter recovery times.
Other more traditional techniques are called open surgeries. Many total joint replacements utilize open techniques to replace damaged shoulders, knees, hips, and more. Your doctor will tell you the exact type of surgery you are having and what can be accomplished through it.
What Are the Goals of My Orthopedic Surgery?
When you and your doctor plan the treatment for your musculoskeletal condition, you will discuss the realistic goals and possible outcomes of your procedure. For many of our patients, goals include:
- Pain reduction
- Increased mobility and strength
- Better balance and fall prevention
- Stopping the progression of a disease, such as arthritis
- Better nerve function
Also, our sports medicine experts can improve how an athlete trains and performs during competition to alleviate the stresses which may have contributed to an injury or repetitive motion condition.
How Will I Get Ready for My Surgery?
Your surgical team will tell you when to stop medications, supplements, food, and hydration before surgery. Also, you could have some physical therapy in the days to weeks before your procedure to improve your strength and endurance and make rehabilitation and recovery easier.
Will I Have to Stay in the Hospital?
How long you will remain in the hospital depends on these factors:
- Your overall health and age
- Who will be caring for you upon discharge
- Your particular procedure and its desired outcome
While it is always preferable to discharge a patient to home or to a rehabilitation facility as soon as possible, your doctor ultimately will determine how long your hospital stay should be.
What Will My Recovery Involve?
You will learn about wound care, safe ambulation, dressing, rest, medications for pain control, checking for signs of infection, and more. You likely will see your physical therapist on the day of your procedure to immediately begin some simple movements on your operated area.
When Can I Return to Work, Drive,and Resume Other Activities?
Arthroscopic patients usually return to work and at-home activities more quickly than people who undergo open surgeries, such as joint replacements. Joint replacements take weeks to even months of rehabilitation. So be prepared ahead of time to have help at home, and inform your work supervisor of the time you will need to recover.
Additionally, your doctor will tell you when you can bear weight on a lower extremity, shower, engage in sexual activity, drive, return to your usual athletic workouts, and more. Your recovery plan will be highly individualized to your unique needs and goals.
Exceptional Orthopedic Surgeons in San Antonio, TX
If you are looking for exceptionally skilled orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio, TX, visit us at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Drs. Millican, Jones, and Skunda are board-certified with additional training in specialties, such as hand surgery and sports medicine. They value excellent doctor/patient communication and will be happy to give you all the details you need to feel comfortable with your surgical procedure and recovery.
To learn more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (210) 662-7400 or fill in our online appointment request form. We will be happy to welcome you to our state-of-the-art facility.
