Orthopaedic Process
The Orthopaedic Process refers to the medical steps involved in diagnosing, treating, and managing musculoskeletal conditions that affect the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. This process is designed to restore normal function, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life for patients with a range of musculoskeletal disorders, including injuries, degenerative conditions, and congenital issues. The orthopaedic process involves a combination of clinical assessment, diagnostic testing, non-surgical treatments, and surgical interventions.
Causes Requiring Orthopaedic Treatment
- Fractures & Bone Injuries – Broken bones from trauma or accidents.
- Sports Injuries – Ligament injuries (e.g., ACL tear), joint dislocations, sprains, and strains.
- Arthritis – Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory joint conditions.
- Degenerative Joint Disease – Conditions causing the breakdown of joint cartilage, especially in aging populations.
- Congenital Deformities – Conditions such as hip dysplasia, clubfoot, or scoliosis.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Tendon, ligament, and muscle tears or strains.
- Post-Surgical Recovery – Rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgeries, such as joint replacement or fracture repair.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Orthopaedic Treatment
- Pain – Persistent or acute pain in the joints, bones, or muscles.
- Swelling & Inflammation – Redness, warmth, or swelling in a joint or injured area.
- Stiffness & Limited Range of Motion – Difficulty moving a joint or part of the body.
- Visible Deformities – Misaligned bones, joints, or abnormal growths.
- Difficulty Walking or Moving – Limping, imbalance, or pain while walking or performing tasks.
- Weakness – Loss of strength in muscles or joints, limiting normal function.
- Balance Problems – Unsteadiness or risk of falls due to musculoskeletal weakness or injury.
