Orthopedic science, like all fields of medicine, is in a constant state of flux. New tools and techniques are developed, the human body becomes better understood, and more. Today, people like James DeVellis MD are able to cure conditions in the musculoskeletal system that would previous require amputations, often leading to death. Today, orthopedic surgery is becoming far more common. No longer does it mean that people have a final chance at being comfortable, it is simply something that many have to live a greater quality of life. While we are not yet at the point that people have elective joint replacements, voluntarily changing a hip or knee for the fun of it, needing this type of surgery is no longer the disaster it once used to be.

James DeVellis MD on Services Offered by Orthopedic Surgeons

Once upon a time, a surgeon was involved only at the point of actual surgery. Today, however, they form an integral part of the overall healthcare team. They consult with their patient to determine a best course of action, help them to choose between local and full anesthetic, and play an integral role in their aftercare and recovery process.

They are also regularly on the news to improve overall understanding of orthopedic surgery. For instance, it was recently revealed that surgeons will also be able to treat HIV positive patients. In that past, allegations were made that surgically treating patients with HIV would put both the medical team and subsequent users of the operating theory at risk. This has now been completely disproven unless significant misconduct happens, which is why discrimination against HIV patients is now a thing of the past. They have as much right to become a comfortable old fox as anybody else, in other words.

Specializations within Orthopedic Surgery

There are different types of orthopedic surgery. Some surgeons focus on just one of these types, whereas others take a more generalized approach to the field itself. Typical surgeries include:

  1. The meniscectomy, which is done on the meniscus at the knee joint. The meniscus can sustain damage through wear and tear and through injuries. The surgery trims the torn part away, although transplantation is sometimes needed.
  2. Laminectomy, which is a very advanced form of surgery that is done on the spinal cord. Here, the lamina, a bony arch, is removed from the spinal cord. This can help people who suffer from lower back pain and who are unresponsive to other forms of treatment. It is not classed as emergency surgery.
  3. Knee replacement, which is conducted on those who experience wear and tear or trauma to their knee.

It is important for an orthopedic disease to be properly diagnosed before any type of treatment is offered. This is why orthopedic surgeons have to have generalized knowledge of the musculoskeletal system first and foremost. They can then choose to specialize as well so that they can offer specific forms of treatment to their patients.