surgery

		Surgery
		It is aimed that with appropriate therapy, the role of the surgeon will be minimized, and that patients maintain function and joint integrity. The indications for surgery include prevention, as well as repair.
		Prevention: Such surgery is done to avoid the development of a worsening situation. This applies for example when tendons are threatened with rupture by synovial or bone erosion, and the offending problem is corrected before such rupture occurs and hence avoids a potentially serious situation. Synovectomy, may also prevent deterioration of the joint, and may be done with arthroscopy or as an open procedure. In the case of large joint surgery, excessive delay may compromise bone stock, and therefore increase complexity of the procedure.		Wrist synovitis threatening tendons. Preventative surgery may avoid rupture ruptured tendons
		Various surgical methods are available: Arthroscopic: Surgery is done via visualization of the operative fields, through sophisticated fiber optic technique. This is done through a narrow pipe. through which, cutting, burring, and suturing, or stapling takes place. Open surgery: Surgery is done with full visualization by making a full incision into the tissues. Arthrodesis: The fusion of bony surfaces and the joint - fixing the joint in a functional position, and allowing no movement at all. Stopping such movement helps stability and reduces pain. Excision arthroplasty: This is the removal of the joint surface leaving nothing between the adjacent bones. The major role is in the metatarsal joints in the feet, and is the mainstay of bunion surgery. Osteotomy: This involves the removal of a wedge of bone near the joint thus correcting any angle deformity of the joint and re-aligning the adjacent surfaces correctly. Replacement arthroplasty: This is the medical term for joint replacement surgery. It is done by removing the joint surfaces, and replacing the surfaces with prosthetic material, which may or may not be cemented into place. Such prosthetic material includes metal / ceramic / Scilastic content.		Hip prosthesis Prosthesis in place - model Prosthesis - an xray post operative
		General indications for surgery: 1. Pain not controlled by medication / other methods. 2. Damage and functional impairment of daily life, not controlled by medication / other methods. 3. Neurological compression with nerve damage and weakness
		Timing of surgery With the exception of prevention surgery, timing of surgery can be planned and are not affected by age. However in the case of replacement surgery, age becomes a factor to be considered. The prostheses do not have infinite lifespan, and therefore delay in younger persons is optimal, where possible. This does not mean surgery is contraindicated in young people. The same principles apply - where quality of life is sufficiently disturbed, and all other methods have failed, then surgery should proceed. Clearly - physical fitness for anesthetic is vital in making a decision to go ahead with surgery.
		Complications of Surgery The major complications are early versus late. Early complications relate to the anesthetic complications, in all its forms, as well as surgical complications of bleeding and hematoma, and alignment problems i.e. technical problems of surgery. Late complications relate to general health problems, especially thrombosis and embolism of blood clot to the lungs. Surgical problems include infection and technical alignment problems or even dislocation or prosthesis failure.