The Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries

While annual orthopedic surgery volumes in the United States are on the rise, orthopedic surgery in and of itself is actually quite common, and there are a number of common orthopedic procedures done in the US each year.

The effective medical reach of orthopedics is wide. Orthopedic surgeries can repair the damage done to several key components of the body, including the Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACLs), shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and even the spine.

Let’s examine some of the most common orthopedic surgeries conducted in the United States each year.

Torn ACL Surgery

As one of the most common orthopedics surgeries, ACL surgery seeks to repair the damage done to one of the most important ligaments in your knees: the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. The ACL connects your femur (your “thighbone”) to your tibia (your “shinbone”) and is responsible for stabilizing your knee while your leg moves and rotates. Tearing this ligament severely restricts movement in the damaged leg, and ACL surgery may be the only treatment option available.

Does A Torn ACL Always Require Surgery?

The exact damage done to the ACL will dictate the most effective treatment options. If the ligament is torn entirely, surgery is almost always a guarantee; however, if the ligament is sprained or stretched, non-surgical treatment options may be administered at first.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knees may need replacing when the cartilage aiding their movement is worn down, leaving bone-on-bone friction in its place. This grinding down of cartilage may occur because of repetitive movement over long periods of time, a traumatic injury, and even obesity. Its absence results in painful and restrictive knee movements in the patient.

Whether a total or partial knee replacement is needed, orthopedic surgery gets the job done. Nearly 800,000 knee replacements are conducted annually in the US, making this one of the most common orthopedic procedures.

Hip and Shoulder Replacement Surgeries

Hip and shoulder replacement surgeries are required for reasons similar to those of knee replacement surgeries: a lack of cartilage supporting the joints, resulting in restrictive and painful movements. However, traumatic injuries, especially those that are sports-related, may also lead to hip and shoulder replacement surgeries.

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the ball-and-socket joint responsible for stabilizing and rotating the hip with a metal and plastic prosthesis. Shoulder replacement surgery involves a similar solution, wherein a metal ball connects the humerus (the bone in your upper arm) to the shoulder socket. Any damage done to the socket itself is remedied with a plastic prosthesis.

Both surgeries can be either partial or total depending on the damage done.

Find an Orthopedic Provider Near You

If you’re considering an orthopedic procedure, Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute can help. Find an orthopedic surgeon near you with our database of skilled and experienced orthopedic providers.