When most people think of orthopedic surgeons they equate them to ACL tears, hip and knee joint replacements and a few other common surgeries. However there are over 60 major orthopedic procedures that include bone, cartilage, and joint repair, reconstruction, replacement and implantation. Some of these surgeries are explored below.

Jaw Reduction

A surgery involving usually the reduction of the lower third of a person’s jaw usually comprised of reducing the mandible and its muscular attachments. The causes of a large mandible are often developmental or congenital in nature while there are some disorders that can widen the jaw as well.

Laminoplasty

Similar to a laminectomy also performed by orthopedic surgeons is meant to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and treat a disorder called spinal stenosis. The procedure cuts the lamina on both sides of the vertebrae allowing a flap of bone to swing up and relieve pressure on the spinal canal and is propped open in this nature.

Acromionplasty

The acromion is a bony protrusion on the scapula of the shoulder blade which extends laterally over the shoulder joint. An arthroscopic surgery used to remove part of the bone of the acromion that may be in contact with the nearby ligaments, tendons or muscle thereby relieving tension and friction.

Astragalectomy

Once popular surgery for club foot it entails the removal of the talus bone for the stabilization of the ankle. Although it is not used for club foot as a regular surgery it is still conducted for cases of foot paralysis after poliomyelitis, rigid club foot deformities, severe open fractures, and deformed calcaneus.

Osteotomy

Has generally been a procedure to relieve pain from arthritis but is being replaced by joint replacement therapies in older patients. However it is also used for a number of other disorders and involves the cutting of bone to shorten, lengthen or change its alignment.

Articular Cartilage Repair

There are five different techniques for articular cartilage repair that the aim of each one is to repair and restore the surface of the articular cartilage. The surgery provides pain relief and dramatically increases the time until joint replacement may be needed. Often the surgery allows patients to resume their normal life including participating in sports.

Arthrodesis

Otherwise known as spinal fusion, artificial ankylosis, or syndesis generally joins or fuses two bones together is most often done for spine, hand, ankle or foot treatments. It is usually advised for patients that have intractable pain that is not treatable through other means, modalities or measures. It is now used as a last resort treatment.

Rotationplasty

This surgery includes removing part of a limb and reattaching the portion below it and rotating it into a different position. This could include placing the ankle at the knee joint and rotating it to mimic the rotation of the knee instead of the ankle. This is done to provide a natural knee joint that will still enable the person to run and walk.

Although this list is not comprehensive it gives a better reflection of all of the areas in which orthopedic surgeon can either specialize or operate in. For Los Angeles based Surgeon, please see the below site: Best Orthopedic Surgeon Los Angeles