An amputation is the surgical removal of all or part of an arm or leg due to infection or injury.
Arthrography is a type of imaging test used to look at a joint, such as the shoulder, knee, or hip. It may be done if standard X-rays do not show the needed details of the joint structure and function.
Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the function of a joint. A joint can be restored by resurfacing the bones. An artificial joint (called a prosthesis) may also be used.
Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting joints. The healthcare provider can directly view the internal structures of a joint using an instrument called an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a small, tube shaped instrument that is used to look inside a joint.
A bone biopsy is a procedure done to remove tissue or cells from the body to be looked at under a microscope.
A bone density test is used to measure the bone mineral content and density. It may be done using X-rays, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), or a special CT scan that uses computer software to determine bone density of the hip or spine.
A bone marrow biopsy involves removing a small sample of the bone marrow inside your bones for testing. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.
A bone scan is an imaging test used to look at the skeleton. It is done to find areas of physical and chemical changes in bone. A bone scan may also be used to see if treatment of certain conditions is working.
Bunion surgery is done to reduce the pain and correct the deformity caused by a bunion. A bunion is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe. Read on for details about this surgery.
Carpal tunnel release is surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. During this surgery, the surgeon cuts through a ligament in the wrist to make more room for nerves and tendons to pass through. This can improve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Computed tomography is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
Computed tomography is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.
Fluoroscopy is a type of imaging tool. It looks at moving body structures. It’s much like an X-ray "movie."
Hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) is surgery to replace a worn out or damaged hip joint. The surgeon replaces the old joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). This surgery may be a choice after a hip fracture or for severe pain because of arthritis.
Joint aspiration is a procedure to remove fluid from the space around a joint using a needle and syringe. It may be done to relieve swelling, or to obtain fluid for analysis to diagnose a joint disorder or problem.
Ligaments surround a joint to give it support and limit its movement. A torn ligament severely limits knee movement. Surgery is a choice to repair a torn ligament if other treatment does not work.
When your knee is badly damaged by disease or injury, an artificial knee replacement may be considered. During knee replacement surgery, your joint surfaces are replaced by prostheses. These are plastic and metal parts that are used to replace your joint surfaces. Read on to learn more.
Kyphoplasty is a procedure used to treat fractures or breaks in the vertebrae. It involves injecting a cement-like material into the vertebra to make it more stable.
Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps relieve compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal), or tumors.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed pictures of organs and structures within the body. It is used to diagnose health problems.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body, in this case, the brain and spine. MRI is used to help diagnose a health problem.
A muscle biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue to diagnose disease. The tissue is usually removed using a needle.
A myelogram is a diagnostic imaging test generally done by a radiologist. It uses a contrast dye and X-rays or computed tomography to look for problems in the spinal canal. Problems can develop in the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other tissues. This test is also called myelography.
The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. The rotator cuff can become injured or wear down with age. If injured, the rotator cuff may need surgery to repair it.
X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs. Standard X-rays are done for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries.
This procedure may be used to diagnose back or neck pain, fractures or broken bones, arthritis, degeneration of the disks, tumors, or other problems.
Vertebroplasty is a procedure used to treat fractures or breaks in the vertebrae. In this procedure, a thick cement mixture is injected into a fractured vertebra to stabilize the spine.
This therapy targets the sympathetic nervous system, a series of nerves that spread out from your spine to your body to help control several body functions, including blood flow.
In the simplest of terms, an epidural corticosteroid (steroid) injection is a way to deliver pain medicine quickly into the body with a syringe.
The Pavlik harness is a soft splint. It is most often used for treating infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip. It helps keep the infant's hips and knees bent and the thighs spread apart. It can also help promote healing in babies with broken thighbones (femurs).
Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery is a type of procedure done to fix an abnormal curve of the spine known as scoliosis. This type of surgery uses smaller incisions than open surgery.
Achilles tendon repair surgery is a type of surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. This is the strong, fibrous cord in the lower leg that connects the muscles of your calf to your heel. It's the largest tendon in your body.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken ankle.
Ankle fusion is a type of surgery to fuse the bones of your ankle into 1 piece. It's also known as ankle arthrodesis. The surgery is usually done to treat arthritis in the ankle.
Ankle replacement surgery is the replacement of a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken arm.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that uses transplanted bone to repair and rebuild diseased or damaged bones. During a bone graft, your surgeon inserts a new piece of bone in the place where a bone needs to heal or join. The cells inside the new bone can then seal themselves to the old bone.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken collarbone (clavicle). Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken elbow.
Open reduction and internal fixation is a surgery used to treat a broken thigh bone. Orthopedic surgeons reposition the fractured bone pieces during surgery, so that they are back in their correct alignment, and physically reconnect the bones.
Hip resurfacing is a type of surgery to replace a damaged hip joint. Read on to learn why it is done, and what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.
Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure to tighten and secure one or more ankle ligaments on the outside of your ankle. It typically takes place as an outpatient procedure.
Meniscal transplant surgery is a type of surgery that replaces a person's missing or damaged meniscus with a meniscus from a cadaver donor. The surgery usually takes place under general anesthesia.
Lumbar discectomy is a type of surgery to fix a disk in the lower back. This surgery uses smaller cuts (incisions) than an open lumbar discectomy.
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to join 2 or more bones of your spine together permanently. A minimally invasive spinal fusion uses a smaller cut (incision) than a traditional spinal fusion surgery.
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is surgery on the bones of your spine (backbone). It uses smaller incisions than standard surgery and causes less pain and faster recovery.
A minimally invasive total hip replacement is a type of surgery to replace a damaged hip joint. It uses a smaller cut (incision) than a traditional total hip replacement. It also uses special tools.
Total knee replacement is a type of surgery to replace a damaged knee joint. A minimally invasive surgery uses a smaller cut (incision) than a traditional total knee replacement.
An open mitral valve replacement is a surgery to replace a poorly working mitral valve with an artificial valve. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this surgery.
Posterior tibialis tendon surgery is done to repair the tendon on the back of your calf that courses down the inside part of your ankle. Surgeons can do a few different types of surgery to repair this tendon.
A reverse total shoulder replacement is a special type of shoulder replacement surgery. It allows your surgeon to remove the damaged parts of the shoulder and replace them with artificial components.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken shin bone (tibia) or your fibula.
A hip fracture repair is a type of surgery to fix a broken (fractured) hip. Another name for this is internal fixation. Hip fracture repair uses screws, nails, or plates to help hold broken bones together so they can heal correctly.
A total hip replacement is a type of surgery. It replaces your hip joint with an artificial one. It is also called hip arthroplasty. Healthcare providers can do these procedures from behind the hip, to the side of the hip, or from in front of the hip. Total hip replacement with anterior approach refers to surgeries done from in front of the hip. These surgeries may also be called mini, modified, minimally invasive, or muscle-sparing surgeries.
A sacroiliac joint injection is used to diagnose or treat lower back pain that comes from your sacroiliac joint. This joint is the place where your spine connects to your pelvis. For the procedure, your healthcare provider injects medicine directly into the joint to ease pain.