Surgery is usually the treatment of last resort for most conditions; however, in the case of acute injury or arthritis, it may be the only thing that gets your life back on track. There’s a lot involved in reconstructive surgery, so it’s important that you understand what to expect if you need it for your condition.
At University of Toledo Physicians, our staff can determine if reconstructive surgery is what’s required to get you back on your feet. Dr. Nabil Ebraheim is a skilled orthopedic surgeon who specializes in both open and minimally invasive surgical procedures. After a thorough exam and diagnostic tests, he’s able to make a treatment plan specifically designed for you.
Most chronic conditions usually start with conservative treatment. This may involve rest, medications, injections, or physical therapy. If none of these treatments give you adequate relief, it’s probably time for you to consider surgical intervention.
But what conditions get you to the point of reconstructive surgery? The answer is any condition or injury that causes damage or wear-and-tear of your joints and is unrelieved by other treatments. These conditions include, but aren’t limited to:
The most common reason for reconstructive surgery is osteoarthritis because it causes your joints to wear down over time, leading to pain, decreased mobility, and loss of joint function. Because your body is unable to regenerate the cartilage tissue that’s lost with this condition, reconstructive surgery is often needed in order for you to get full function back.
Traumatic injury is another primary reason you may need this type of surgery. Sporting injuries and falls sometimes lead to tendon or ligament tears, which may warrant reconstruction by Dr. Ebraheim.
If you’re in need of a surgical reconstruction, knowing what you can expect is the key to a successful surgery and recovery.
Reconstructive surgery aims to rebuild parts of your musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, and ligaments. The specifics of the surgery depend on the severity of your condition and which part of your body is being reconstructed. Some of the common types of reconstructive surgeries you may encounter include:
The first step in reconstructive surgery involves Dr. Ebraheim performing an extensive medical exam and imaging studies such as X-rays or an MRI. Once he determines that reconstructive surgery is what you need, he goes over the procedure with you and what you can expect.
For this type of surgery, you’ll be asleep with general anesthesia. Dr. Ebraheim will either do open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. Minimally invasive surgery involves smaller incisions and less recovery time; however, sometimes it isn’t practical for your condition.
If you’re in need of a joint reconstruction, Dr. Ebraheim will remove the damaged or worn down parts of your joint, and replace them with a prosthetic. Your prosthesis is made of materials like ceramic, hard plastics, and metal. It’s meant to mimic your normal joint movements and last a long time.
On the other hand, if you’re in need of a tendon or ligament reconstruction, Dr. Ebraheim removes the torn or damaged tissue and replaces it. The replacement either comes from another part of your body, or from a deceased donor. Dr. Ebraheim discusses both options with you before surgery, to determine which choice is best for you.
After your procedure is finished, you’ll spend some time in the recovery room, and then will either go home or spend a night or two in the hospital. Again, this is determined by the type of reconstruction you’ve undergone.
Once you’re home, the real recovery begins. Dr. Ebraheim will have you start physical therapy as soon as possible to avoid stiffness in the joint or tendon. He’ll also work closely with you to manage your pain, and make sure your reconstruction heals as planned.
It may take a while for you to get full function back, ranging anywhere from three months to a whole year. The length depends on the type of reconstruction you’ve gone through and your commitment to therapy, both in the office and at home.
When you’re tired of dealing with the pain of arthritis and think reconstructive surgery may help, call our office at 419-383-3761, or book a consultation online today. You can also get more information about orthopedic injuries on our YouTube channel.
You Might Also Enjoy...
If you’ve ever suffered a broken bone, you know the pain can be excruciating. However, did you know that there are many different types of fractures that you could sustain? Read on to find out more about deciphering fracture types and treatment options.
When injury strikes, it’s usually at the most inconvenient time. Not only that, but COVID-19 has made getting treatment even more difficult. Read on to find out what’s changed in orthopedics, and how you can keep yourself safe while still receiving care.
You don't know how important your knees are until you begin having problems. You may experience pain and stiffness that impedes your mobility. Find out about what you can do when your knees are giving you more problems than you can handle.
Your joints are the reason you're able to walk up a flight of stairs or go for a run in the morning. So when they begin to become stiff and painful, you may find yourself in a world of hurt. Find out when to seek treatment for achy joints.
Has back pain been ruling your life for too long? If you answered yes, it may be time for you to consider surgical intervention. Find out about how to prepare yourself to go under the knife and what to expect after you get home.
Pain traveling up your arm, numbness, and tingling in your fingers, and sleepless nights. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause all these issues. Find out how to change your daily routine to prevent the pain.
