Are you afraid of orthopedic surgery? Let's talk about it simply!

Maybe you injured your knee while playing sports. Or maybe you have joint pain that has increased as you get older and you have difficulty walking. Maybe, oh my God, you have a broken arm or leg in an accident. In such cases, we have to see a surgeon who specializes in bones and joints. Many people get scared when they hear the word "bone surgery." But it's actually not that scary. So today, let's talk about this bone and joint surgery, or 'Orthopaedic Surgery'.

What is Orthopaedic Surgery?

Simply put, this is a special branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and various conditions that occur in the system that helps our body move, that is, the musculoskeletal system.

Our movement system includes:

• Bones: The hard parts that make up our body's skeleton.
• Muscles: Parts that move bones.
• Joints: Places where bones connect to each other.
• Tendons and ligaments: Tissues that connect muscles to bones and bones to each other.
• Cartilage: The smooth part between joints that prevents bones from rubbing together.
• Soft tissues: Other tissues that help hold everything together.

This system helps us walk, run, lift weights, and stand upright. So, if there is an injury to these parts, or if there is a medical condition, you may experience pain and be unable to move your body. Orthopaedic surgery repairs damage to this system.

Are there different types of these surgeries?

Yes, absolutely. Orthopedics are sometimes trained specifically for certain parts of the body or certain medical conditions.

Depending on the body part, these surgeries are performed:

• Hip
• Knee
• Hand and wrist
• Foot and ankle
• Spine
• Shoulder and elbow

In addition, they are also classified according to their areas of expertise.

What happens before surgery?

If you need surgery, you will first need to see a specialist. This is called an evaluation or consultation . The doctor will take a complete history of your condition, examine the area of ​​your body that you are planning to have surgery on, and review any X-rays or other tests to get a better understanding of your condition.

Only then will a day be set for the surgery. The doctor will clearly explain to you the risks, complications, and recovery time that may arise from the surgery.

Imagine, if you have a serious broken bone in an accident, you may be admitted to the Emergency Department (ETU) and have to undergo surgery immediately. However, if it is a non-emergency, planned surgery, it may take a few days, weeks, or even months.

What happens on the day of surgery?

On the day of your surgery, you will be taken to an operating room at the hospital. An anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia. You will then be put to sleep without feeling any pain. Once you are asleep, the surgeon will begin the surgery.

The things that are done during surgery vary depending on the reason for the surgery. Some of the things that are usually done are:

• Fixing broken bones: Broken bone fragments are fixed using things like pins, screws, rods, or plates to ensure they are properly aligned and heal.
• Repairing a damaged ligament: The damaged ligament is removed and replaced with healthy tissue from another part of your body or a tissue from a donor (a `graft`).
• Treatment for arthritis: Metal or plastic caps are placed over the ends of the bones of a joint that has worn away due to arthritis. This reduces pain and restores proper function to the joint.

Your doctor will inform you about all of this before the surgery. After the surgery is complete, the incision will be stitched and well-dressed.

What to expect after surgery?

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room. You will stay there until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Depending on the nature of the surgery, you may be able to go home within a few hours, or you may need to stay in the hospital for observation for a day or two.

When you go home, you will receive instructions on how to care for your wound, what you can and cannot do. It is important to get plenty of rest after surgery. It is much easier if you have a family member or friend to help you.

Your doctor will ask you to come back in a few days, weeks, or months to check on your recovery (`follow-up appointments`). At that time, they may do tests such as X-rays to check how your bones are healing. You may also need physical therapy to help you regain strength in the area of ​​your body that was operated on.

What are the benefits and possible risks of surgery?

Like anything, there are benefits and small risks. But usually the benefits outweigh the risks. Your doctor will explain this to you clearly.

How long does it take to heal?

The time it takes for this to happen varies greatly depending on the surgery. It can range from a few weeks to a few months. For example:

• ACL surgery: About 9 months.
• To fix a fracture: about 3 months.
• To replace the knee joints: about 3 months.

The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly . Overexerting yourself without giving the area you're told to rest can delay wound healing, lead to infection, and possibly require re-surgery.

Special occasions when you should see a doctor after surgery

If you experience any of the following symptoms during your scheduled clinic date, you should notify your doctor immediately .

• If you get a fever.
• If the surgical site is excessively swollen.
• If the skin color has changed.
• If there is unbearable pain.
• If something like fluid or blood is leaking from the cut.

These types of surgeries are very successful and common these days. So don't be afraid of them. By following the right medical advice, you will be healthy and strong again and be able to do your daily activities.

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