Orthopedic Surgery
At Providence Regional's Musculoskeletal Institute, we offer highly specialized care for the full spectrum of orthopedic surgery procedures from minimally invasive, partial replacements to total joint replacements. We work closely with you so that your treatment goals restore function and get you back to the highest possible level of independence.
Our expert physians come from some of the most prestigious training programs in the country, such as The Cleveland Clinic, Tulane University and the University of California, Irvine. Providence Regional is one of the only medical centers in the area with an orthopedic surgeon in-house 24/7 and has consistently been named one of the top hospitals nationally for patient safety and quality.
Our orthopedic surgery team includes:
- Orthopedic Surgeons and Sports Medicine Specialists
- Physiatrists
- Podiatrists
- Physician Assistants
- Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Nurses
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Care Coordinators
- Blood Conservation Nurse Specialists
Arthroscopic surgery
Arthroscopy surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat joint conditions. More than 30 percent of all orthopedic surgeries performed in the United States are performed with an arthroscope.
The arthroscope is a small fiber-optic tube inserted through a quarter-inch incision. It consists of a system of lenses, a small video camera, and a viewing light. Connected to a television monitoring system that allows the surgeon to view the operation as it's performed, the arthroscope is generally used in conjunction with other tools (for grasping, cutting and probing) which are inserted through another small incision.
Recovery after arthroscopic surgery
Your recovery time depends on the extent of your surgery. However, most arthoscopic surgery is done on an outpatient basis; you'll be able to go home within hours after surgery. The small incisions can take several days to heal, but some patients resume their usual daily activities within a few days.
Total joint replacement surgery
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis. This type of surgery is usually considered after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.
Recovery after total joint replacement surgery
After surgery, you usually begin exercises to regain range-of-motion and flexibility, and are given a prescription for physical therapy provided through outpatient, home health, skilled nursing, or rehabilitation facility visits. If any stitches or staples were used during the procedure, they are normally removed in a few weeks.
Safety modifications
Making a few safety modifications to your home can be helpful during your recovery. Depending on your physical circumstances, you may want to consider making the following modifications:
- Proper handrails along all stairs
- Safety handrails in the shower or bath
- Shower bench or chair
- Raised toilet seat
- Reaching stick to grab objects
- Removing loose carpets and electrical cords