Common Procedures

Achilles Tendon Repair
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the back of the heel. The tendon is used to flex the foot and “push off” when walking, running or jumping. When the Achilles tendon is damaged or torn, an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon can work to repair or reattach the tendon. 

Bunionectomy
A bunion is a bony bump or deformity to the joint at the base of the first or great toe. Bunions can cause pain, skin irritation and swelling. An orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon can perform a bunionectomy to remove the bunion and help restore normal alignment to the foot.

Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when compression placed on the median nerve in the wrist cause symptoms such as numbness, weakness or pain. Pain may occur in the hand, arm, or fingers, typically at night and with certain activities. Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure where the orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon can release the ligament, which relieves pressure on the median nerve and allows it to heal.

Trigger Finger Release
Trigger Finger is the narrowing around the tendons of a finger or thumb, which causes pain, stiffness, and a feeling of “locking” or “catching” when bending or straightening the finger. Trigger finger release is a surgical procedure to open or release the “tunnel” or pulley the tendon travels through, allowing smooth transit for the tendon.

Hip Arthroscopy
A hip arthroscopy or “hip scope” is a surgical procedure in which the orthopaedic surgeon uses a camera to visualize the internal structure of the hip joint. Through this minimally invasive scope, the surgeon can address cartilage damage in the hip joint.

Labral Repair
The labrum is the “cartilage cup” that the head of the femur bones sets in and provides stability and cushion. When the rim of the labrum is damaged, the orthopaedic surgeon can work to repair the surface as well as prevent future issues.

Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement surgery involves removing the diseased portion of the hip joint. An artificial hip, known as a prosthesis, replaces it. There are four pieces in a new hip implant: a stem which fits into the thigh bone, a ball on the end of the stem, a shell that fits into the pelvis and a liner that snaps into the shell.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair
To surgically repair the ACL and restore knee stability, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) must be reconstructed because most ACL tears cannot be sutured (stitched) back together. The orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon will replace the torn ligament with a tissue graft. This graft acts as scaffolding for a new ligament to grow on.

Knee Arthroscopy
A knee arthroscopy or “knee scope” is a surgical procedure in which the orthopaedic surgeon uses a camera to visualize the internal structure of the knee joint. Through this minimally invasive scope, the surgeon can address cartilage and meniscus damage in the knee joint.

Meniscectomy
The meniscus serves to provide shock absorption for the knee joint and there are two inside the knee joint: the medial and lateral meniscus. When the meniscus is damaged, the surgeon can work to smooth out the damaged area to the meniscus, which is called a meniscectomy.

Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery involves removing the diseased portion of the knee joint and resurfacing the ends of the bones with the new prosthesis. There are four parts to a knee prosthesis: the femoral part caps the end of the thigh bone, the tibial part caps the top of the shin bone, a bearing surface sits between these two components and another bearing surface sits underneath the kneecap. These parts are most commonly made of metal and plastic and cemented to the bones. The metal caps the ends of the bones and the plastic functions as the new cartilage.

Shoulder Arthroscopy
A shoulder arthroscopy or “shoulder scope” is a surgical procedure in which the orthopaedic surgeon uses a camera to visualize the internal structure of the shoulder joint. Shoulder arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the rotator cuff tendons, labrum, articular cartilage, and other soft tissues surrounding the joint. Common arthroscopic procedures include: rotator cuff repair, removal or repair of the labrum, repair of ligaments, removal of loose cartilage and repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation.

Frozen Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder arthroscopy is a common method for surgical treatment of frozen shoulder when symptoms are not relieved by physical therapy or other conservative treatment options. The goal of surgery is to stretch and release the stiffened joint capsule in the shoulder. The orthopaedic shoulder surgeon will cut through tight portions of the joint capsule.

Rotator Cuff Repair
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is the least invasive surgical method use to repair a torn rotator cuff. During the procedure, the orthopaedic shoulder surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the shoulder joint. The camera displays pictures on a television screen and the surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.

Shoulder Replacement
In shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial components, called a prosthesis. The typical shoulder replacement involves replacing the arthritic joint surfaced with highly polished metal ball attached to a stem and a plastic socket. A reverse total shoulder replacement is another type of shoulder replacement where the socket and metal ball are switched; the metal ball is attached to the shoulder bone and a plastic socket is attached to the upper arm bone.

Lumbar Microdisectomy
A lumbar microdiscectomy is the most common procedure for a lumbar herniation. The procedure involves removing the herniated part of the disc and any fragments that are putting pressure on the spinal nerve. In some cases, the entire disc may need to be removed.

Cervical Discectomy
Cervical discectomy is a procedure for a herniated disc in the neck. To relieve pressure, the entire slipped disc is removed and bone is placed in the disc space along with a metal plate to help support the spine. 

When a bone is broken it is called a fracture. Orthopaedic surgeons can work to realign the broken bones and secure the bones in place. The goal is to restore proper alignment and stabilized the bone ends to allow healing. This can be accomplished through a variety of surgical techniques including open and minimally invasive methods such as plate and screws, “nailing,” or “pinning.”