When most people hear of orthopedics in Peachtree, GA, they think of surgical procedures typically associated with joint replacement. While this is true today, history shows orthopedics is actually a very old branch of medicine dating back to the mid part of the 1700s and was originally concerned with the musculoskeletal development of children.
Today, orthopedics has branched out to include people of all ages. Understanding the vital role that this branch of medicine provides to patients with all types of injuries due to trauma, disease or even congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system will show just how relevant it really is.
Types of Conditions
Doctors that specialize in orthopedics in Peachtree, GA, may see patients of all ages from newborns through the seniors. There is actually a specialized area of children’s health care known as pediatric orthopedics.
There are several different types of conditions that may be served by an orthopedic doctor or surgeon. Some very commonly seen conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Achilles tendon problems
- ACL injuries
- Cervical fracture
- Congenital malformations of the legs, hips and limbs
- Dislocated shoulders
- Fractures
- Ligament sprains
- Chronic or acute neck and back pain
- Foot and heel pain
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Spondylolysis and spinal stenosis
- Tendonitis
Additionally, for traumatic injuries to any part of the skeletal system or the muscles, an orthopedics specialist will typically be involved in both the treatment as well as the surgical team.
Treatment Plans and Options
The orthopedics department in any clinic or treatment facility isn’t just used for surgical issues. Instead, these doctors offer a wide range of both diagnostic and non-surgical treatment options.
Most patients seeing an orthopedic surgeon will have an initial consultation. There will be lab work done as well as x-rays and imaging to help determine if there are fractures or abnormalities in the skeleton that are present.
For joint injuries, it is possible that the diagnosis may involve arthroscopy. This allows a tiny optic device to be inserted into the joint to actually see the issues and to even complete minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Depending on the results there may be the need for surgical treatments such as fusions to create a solid structure, or the use of rods, pins, wires and screws to fix broken bones in place to heal. For some treatments the bones may be cut and repositioned to create the correct position and shape for the joint or bone.
The practice of orthopedics has expanded over the years. With the treatment options today musculoskeletal issues can be diagnosed, treated and even prevented through the use of technology and cutting edge treatment options.
At ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio, our orthopedics department works with patients of all ages for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
