FAQ

  • Frequently Asked Questions about Ortho

  • If I see an orthopaedic surgeon, will he or she generally recommend surgery?

    Most orthopaedic injuries and conditions are treated without surgery, using a range of treatments that include activity modification, physical therapy and medications. Surgery is an option for certain orthopaedic problems and often for those conditions that do not alleviate symptoms.

  • What are the most common orthopaedic surgeries?

    The most common orthopaedic surgeries are:

    • Arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip and ankle
    • Joint replacement surgery, during which an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint
    • Repair of soft tissue injuries, such as torn tendons or ligaments
  • What is arthroscopic surgery?

    Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon uses a high-definition, fiber optic camera that is about the diameter of a pencil to perform surgery through small incisions. Arthroscopy is also used to diagnose and treat virtually all joint problems, including those of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. The visualization that arthroscopy makes possible allows your surgeon to treat many conditions in the least invasive manner possible.

    Because arthroscopic surgery is performed through small incisions, injury to soft tissues is avoided, which results in quicker and less painful recovery times. Most patients go home the same day they have surgery.

  • What are the benefits of joint replacement surgery?

    The primary goals of joint replacement surgery are to restore mobility and to relieve pain. Good evidence-based medicine data reveals that a typical total hip or knee replacement lasts at least 20 years in about 80 percent of patients, which lets patients enjoy their favorite activities without pain. Joint replacement care at Sibley is a truly comprehensive experience; it encompasses the entire process from evaluation through rehabilitation. Care at Sibley includes diagnostic imaging, patient education, surgery and both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy. Sibley also has a skilled nursing facility, The Renaissance, for inpatient rehabilitation, which can be used to assure that any postsurgery issues are completely addressed.

  • How long does it take for joint replacement surgery to heal completely?

    Healing times depend largely on the patient’s overall health, body type and lifestyle. With proper care, rest and therapy, patients heal sufficiently to return to most activities of daily living within several weeks of their procedure. The duration of hospitalization ranges from two days for a shoulder replacement to three to five days following a knee or hip replacement.

  • Can I still run/play soccer/golf with a joint replacement?

    Probably, though it depends upon a number of factors that require coordination with your surgeon. Most patients are able to resume athletic activity at a recreational level, enjoying the benefits of exercise and recreation without pain or limitations.

  • FAQ for ENT surgeries

  • What is ENT?

    ENT is an abridgement for ear, nose and throat. It is one of the oldest surgical sub-specialities. In recent times it is also referred to as Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (ORL/HNS). This is derived from Latin: oto (ear), rhino (nose), larynx (throat) and -logy (study of). The speciality deals with all diseases, disorders and abnormalities related to ears, nose and throat. It also covers the entire head and neck region except for areas covered by neurosurgeons (brain surgeons), ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) and dentists.

  • When should I consult with an ENT doctor?

    If you or a family member have been suffering from an ear, nose or throat problem that causes an unordinary level of discomfort or dysfunction, it may be time to see an ENT specialist.

  • What surgeries do ENTs perform?

    Facial cosmetic surgery is also part of ENT surgery and includes:

    • rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
    • otoplasty (ear surgery)
    • blepharoplasty (removal of excess skin and fat pads around the upper and lower eyelids)
    • facial reconstruction following trauma or cancer.
  • How do I get rid of my allergies?

    Nasal Allergies are a common phenomenon. A higher percentage of children have allergies than adults, which suggests your allergies may subside with age. Unfortunately, most medications only treat the symptoms. ENT Specialists do treat sinusitis and rhinitis (usually as a secondary bacterial or viral infection) and may suggest surgical intervention for chronic cases.

  • What are the common conditions that are dealt in the specialty?

    Ear infections, hearing loss, tonsillitis, snoring, sore throats, blocked nose, broken nose, crocked nose, nasal polyps, sinusitis, hoarse voice, benign and malignant growth in nose or throat, thyroid lumps, salivary gland lumps and more.

  • What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

    Hypothyroidism means your body is not making enough thyroid hormone, which is used to regulate the body's metabolism. Symptoms can include: fatigue, weakness, weight gain, dry skin or hair, cold intolerance, cramps and muscle aches, depression and irritability, memory loss, decreased libido and abnormal menstrual cycles.

  • PRP treament for Arthritis

  • Does PRP really work?

    Yes. A lot of research has gone into the development of PRP based procedures.

  • How do I know if I am a candidate for PRP therapy?

    PRP therapy is advised for patients with moderate osteoarthritis in the hip, knee or shoulder or chronic tendonitis in the elbow or ankle, and others. Typically the patient has failed conservative treatment options such as rest, medication, and physical therapy.

  • Who is NOT a candidate for PRP therapy?

    Any one with a cancer (such as prostate cancer or breast cancer), not in remission for at least 5 years Certain other malignancies or blood borne diseases that you are being treated for Any current infection General procedural contraindication

  • How quickly you can return to your normal activities depends on the condition and body part being treated.

    Injections in the elbow or shoulder may be placed in a sling for 48 hours to 1 week or more and then as needed for comfort. For the ankle (Achilles tendon, peroneal tendon, plantar fascia), you will be required to wear a walking boot for up to two weeks or more. (If the injection is on the right side, you will not be able to drive with the boot on.)

    If you have an injection in your knee for osteoarthritis, you only need to rest for 24 hours and then you can return to your normal activities. If the injection is in your patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon, your knee may be placed in a knee immobilizer for 1-2 days. Most procedures, will begin therapy 1 week after the injection. Patients with multiple medical issues may not be good candidates

  • How long does it take PRP to “work”?

    PRP does not offer quick pain relief. Pain gradually subsides as the injured tissue repairs and pain relieving factors activate. This can take weeks or months, but when successful, the effect is lasting. If relief is not sufficient at 3 months, a second injection may be performed. Maximum effects are usually seen at 6-9 months. Some knee joints may require 2 injections in closer succession.

  • How soon can I return to normal and athletic activities?

    Most patients are able to return to work the day following the procedure unless they are 1 in 10 that has a post-injection flare. In that situation, the patient may need an extra day off work. Return to athletic activity depends on the type and site of injury. Most chronic tendon injuries that have failed to respond to any other type of treatment will generally take quite a number of weeks to heal. Injections into joints and acute muscle injuries respond a bit sooner.

  • Are there any side effects or complications of PRP?

    No serious complications have been reported related to PRP. Like any injection, there is a risk of infection, or damage to a nerve or blood vessel. However, there is not a risk of adverse reaction to the platelets the way there is to a medication (ex. corticosteroids).

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