Orthopaedic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Sports Medicine, and how does it differ from general orthopedics?
- What are the alternative care methods that Dr. Fowler advocates?
- What are Dr. Fowler's surgical specialties?
- What is arthroscopy, and when is it an appropriate surgical solution?
- When is total hip replacement or total knee replacement the most appropriate treatment method?
1. What is Sports Medicine, and how does it differ from general orthopaedics?
Sports medicine is a branch of orthopaedics that addresses the injuries that athletes sustain on the playing field. This includes any musculoskeletal injuries sustained during baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, or any sport that involves repetitive motions or physical contact. Common sports injuries treated at Atlanta, GA's Capital City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine include:
The preferred treatment method for these pathologies is always conservative, allowing the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to heal naturally without invasion or tampering. Traditional methods of conservative treatment include physical therapy, NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) treatment, and activity modification.
2. What are the alternative care methods that Dr. Fowler advocates?
As stated above, conservative treatment methods are preferred to surgical intervention. While a number of traditional treatment options have been shown to provide patients with comfortable results, Dr. Fowler advocates a number of alternative care methods for musculoskeletal pain. These alternative treatment options include:
These alternative treatment methods aim to strengthen core muscles in the musculoskeletal system, helping to rehabilitate and prevent joint or muscle injuries. Additionally, these activities can help improve posture, increase flexibility, circulation, and balance.
3. What are Dr. Fowler's surgical specialties?
Unfortunately, not all musculoskeletal conditions can be treated conservatively. Dr. Fowler is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon that specializes in minimally invasive surgeries, as well as total joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee, and shoulder. Total hip, knee, or shoulder replacement is typically advised for patients with severe arthritis, while arthroscopy can be a solution to a sports injury that has failed to heal on its own.
Depending on your condition, Dr. Fowler will help determine the best method to treat your musculoskeletal pain. Find out more about how to schedule an appointment ยป
4. What is arthroscopy, and when is it an appropriate surgical solution?
Arthroscopy is best suited for sports injuries, as it provides the benefits of minimally invasive surgery that allow athletes to return to the playing field more quickly than with open surgery.
Benefits to arthroscopic surgery include:
- Minimized scarring
- Reduced blood loss during surgery
- Shorter post-operative recovery period
These benefits make this surgical method the preferred treatment option for athletes who need to return to previous levels of activity as quickly as possible.
5. When is a total hip replacement or total knee replacement the most appropriate treatment method?
Total hip replacement or total knee replacement should be pursued only after conservative treatment methods, including physical therapy and alternative methods such as Tai Chi and Pilates, have failed to sufficiently alleviate joint pain and restore joint function. Total joint replacement is best suited for arthritis patients, as well as those who have suffered a traumatic injury causing fractures.
Total joint replacement involves removing the diseased or damaged portion of the bone and replacing it with a prosthetic implant that imitates the feel and function of a natural joint. For more information on total joint replacement, read about total hip replacement surgery and total knee replacement surgery.
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