If a fracture, sprain, strain, or degenerative condition such as osteoarthritis has drastically curtailed your mobility and comfort, you may find yourself in need of an orthopedic surgeon. Unfortunately, you may also pull up a great deal of misinformation — from the idea that orthopedic surgery in Houston only helps athletes or seniors to the notion that it must involve a lengthy recuperation.
If you truly want to get better, it’s important to cast aside any falsehoods that might prevent you from obtaining effective treatment. Let’s take a moment to debunk some common myths about this advanced form of care.
Myth 1: Orthopedic Procedures Are Always Invasive and Painful
You may have heard that orthopedic procedures always involve large incisions, lots of collateral damage to tissue or nerves, and an intimidating degree of pain. This idea stems from the tools and techniques of the past, which invariably featured open surgeries.
Today’s minimally invasive procedures have turned many formerly invasive, painful procedures into quick, simple outpatient surgeries. For instance, arthroscopic shoulder surgery requires just a couple of 5-millimeter incisions instead of the 5-centimeter incision used in open surgery. Patients report less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and in many cases better results.
Myth 2: Orthopedic Procedures Are Only for Athletes or Elderly Individuals
Because many athletes and elderly individuals receive this kind of surgery for sports-related or age-related problems, some people believe that it can serve no other segments of the population. In reality, anyone can rupture a knee ligament, injure a hand, or develop degenerative joint trouble. A young office worker with carpal tunnel syndrome can benefit from arthroscopic surgery just as much as a professional tennis player with the same condition.
Indeed, arthroscopic surgery to clean out old bone spurs and deteriorated cartilage can help seniors feel and move much better than before. However, a child with a fractured knee or seriously sprained ankle can benefit just as much from modern surgical techniques that cause minimal pain and promote speedy healing.
Recovery Is Lengthy and Difficult
Thanks to the advent of minimally invasive surgery, you can stop assuming that orthopedic procedures always require a long, challenging recovery period. Not only do today’s techniques cause less damage and require less recovery time, but state-of-the-art pain management and physical rehabilitation methods also help patients feel more comfortable throughout their recuperation and regain their function much more quickly.
You can facilitate your recovery by following the proper postoperative protocols. Obey your surgeon’s instructions, pursue your rehabilitation plan diligently, and pursue a healthy lifestyle to achieve optimal results.
Orthopedic Procedures Should Be a Last Resort
While it only makes sense to try conservative care for a condition likely to respond to such care, you don’t always have to try every non-surgical option before scheduling surgery. Non-invasive methods can’t do much for structural damage such as bone spurs or a ligament ripped completely off the bone. In such situations, wasting time on ineffective conservative measures may only allow your problem to grow steadily worse, potentially complicating the surgery and endangering the outcome.
Early intervention can make all the difference in a successful orthopedic procedure. If your doctor feels that you need surgery, and a second opinion upholds that judgment, start talking to surgeons as soon as possible.
All Orthopedic Surgeons Are the Same
Don’t fall for the myth that all orthopedic surgeons offer the same benefits and are therefore interchangeable. As in every other highly skilled profession, no two surgeons offer identical credentials and skills. Different specialists may shine in different areas of expertise, while skill and experience can vary tremendously from surgeon to surgeon.
You owe it to yourself to insist on the best surgeon for your particular problem. Make sure to check credentials, obtain referrals from trusted sources, and read as many patients reviews as you can find.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek the Right Orthopedic Care for your Needs
Hopefully, you see now that orthopedic surgery in Houston need not be invasive or painful, suit only certain demographics, prove hard to recover from, or yield the same results regardless of who performs it. The sooner you drive these myths from your mind, the more easily you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Reach out to a qualified specialist, ask plenty of questions, and receive the benefits of personalized advice and expert guidance.
