Orthopedics
Orthopedics focuses on injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. This complex system includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. Orthopedics includes care for patients of all ages - from newborns to young athletes to individuals in their golden years.
What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Often called orthopedists, orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors with training in the proper diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Most orthopedic surgeons complete up to 14 years of education.Orthopedic surgeons manage:
- Diagnosis of your injury or condition
- Treatment with medication
- Surgery or other treatment plans
- Rehabilitation recommendations
- Exercise
- Prevention
Learn more about our orthopedic team:
Hampton Regional Medical Center offers the following orthopedic procedures and services:
- Arthroscopy of the Knee
- Joint Replacement: Knee and Hip
- ACL Repair
- Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures
- Carpal Tunnel Release
- Trigger Finger Release
- Nirschel Procedure or Tennis Elbow
- Ulnar Nerve Transposition
Arthroscopy of the Knee
In an arthroscopic examination, a small incision is made in the patient's skin with a pencil-sized instrument that contains a small lens and lighting system. This is used to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. By attaching the arthroscope to a miniature television camera, the surgeon is able to see the interior of the joint through this very small incision rather than a large incision.The camera attached to the arthroscope displays the image of the joint on a television screen, allowing the surgeon to look, for example, throughout the knee at cartilage and ligaments, and under the kneecap. The surgeon can determine the amount or type of injury, and then repair or correct the problem, if it is necessary.
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Joint Replacement: Knee and Hip
The most commonly performed joint replacements are knee and hip replacements, which assist in alleviating pain and restoring function in severely damaged joints. The surgical procedure for both involves replacing the damaged bone with an artificial joint, also known as a prosthesis; this is usually done when other treatment options have failed to significantly provide relief to the damaged area.The following links will provide you with more information related to knee and hip replacements:
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ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Repair
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the knee. A tear of the ligament can be partial or complete. It is a serious injury leading to destabilization of the knee. Non-surgical treatment of a chronic tear depends on the patient's age and needs. The low demand or unathletic person may be content to decrease activities so that the knee never gives way. More athletic individuals may be able to cope by wearing a brace to stabilize the knee during sports.Back to List
Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures
Open reduction is a manipulation of a fractured bone; this occurs by making an incision in the skin and muscle over the site of the fracture. Whereas, internal fixation is a surgical procedure that stabilizes and joins the ends of fractured (broken) bones by mechanical devices such as metal plates, pins, rods, wires, or screws.Back to List
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which can lead to pain and weakness in the hand. The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb, first two fingers, part of the third finger, and also to some of the muscles of the hand. Carpal tunnel surgery involves 1 or 2 small incisions over the palm of the hand. The surgery can be performed endoscopically (using a small camera attached to a monitor). The carpal ligament is located directly below the incision(s), in the area of the palm, just past the wrist on the palm, and in the direction of the fingers (distal).Back to List
Trigger Finger Release
Trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers or your thumb catches in a bent position. Your finger or thumb may straighten with a snap - like a trigger being pulled and released. If trigger finger is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position. Treatment varies. Mild symptoms may improve simply by resting the affected hand and preventing overuse of the problem finger. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce inflammation and swelling. More serious cases may require injections of steroid medication or surgery.Back to List
Nirschel Procedure (Tennis Elbow)
Tennis Elbow is a degenerative condition of the tendon fibers that attach on the bony prominence (epicondyle) on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow. The tendons involved are responsible for anchoring the muscles that extend or lift the wrist and hand. In most cases, non-operative treatment should be tried before surgery. If symptons do not improve the next step is a corticosteroid injection around the outside of the elbow. This can be very helpful in reducing pain. Physical therapy may be recommended and can help complete recovery.Surgery is considered only in patients who have incapacitating pain that does not get better after at least six months of non-operative treatment. The surgical procedure involves removing diseased tendon tissue and reattaching normal tendon tissue to bone. The procedure is an outpatient surgery; you do not need to stay in the hospital overnight. It can be performed under regional or general anesthesia.
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Ulnar Nerve Transposition
This surgical procedure involves relocating the ulnar nerve, which runs from the arm to the finger tips, to an alternate location in the general vicinity of its original location. If the nerve has become compressed, patients may be experiencing frequent numbness and discomfort.Back to List
