Orthopedic surgeries constitute about 20% of surgical procedures that are performed among patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador. Orthopedic surgeries are common among people who engage in contact sports or those who experienced crushing injuries such as motor vehicular accidents. Find Health in Ecuador provides a safe haven for patients who are planning to undergo orthopedic surgery. They perform surgeries such as Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery, and Arthroscopic Knee and Hip Replacement Surgeries.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
This surgery involves the insertion of an arthroscopic device to repair and diagnose rotator cuff injuries and tears. Loosened ligaments and tendons can also be repaired using this procedure.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
An arthroscopic device is inserted in the knee to allow visualization of the knee area. Arthroscopy of the knee facilitates diagnosis and repair of common knee problems. This procedure can resolve torn joint tissue, ligaments, or cartilage.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement involves the use of ceramic, metal, or plastic devices that are used to replace the ball joint of the hips at the upper part of the thigh bone or the femur. This is an orthopedic surgery that is mostly done following a severe blow to the ball and socket joint or as a result of necrosis.
Conditions Requiring Surgery
Rotator cuff injuries such as rotator cuff tears that led to inflammation and severe pain in the shoulder joint are a common indication for arthroscopic surgeries. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is also done in patients for bone spur removal, repair of ligaments, and removal of loosened cartilage. Patients who are suffering from crushing injuries and blows to the knee area that resulted in ligament, cartilage, and joint displacement warrant arthroscopic knee surgery. Elderly patients who retain fractures of the hip, leading to hip displacement, are a common reason for the performance of hip replacement surgeries.
Preparation before the Surgery
The patient needs to keep a record of all the medication, including herbal remedies, that he has taken a few weeks before the scheduled surgery. Medications that may affect clotting such as Advil, Aspirin, Motrin, and other anticoagulants must be reported. Patients may have to undergo a series of diagnostic tests and procedures to evaluate their renal, pulmonary, and cardiac function. Any known allergies must also be reported. The process of the orthopedic surgery, any expectation during the procedure, the length of the hospital stay, and any postoperative instructions are explained to the patient.
Recuperation
Patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery have an estimated recovery time of about two weeks or more, while those who underwent hip replacement surgery will have to spend more than a month for the recovery period. Patients need to stay overnight for arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery, while patients need a three-day stay for hip replacement surgery.
Post-Operative Measures
A patient who underwent an arthroscopic shoulder surgery may expect to wear a sling for the first week post-operatively or depending on the surgeon’s instructions. Pain management is implemented to prevent discomfort and pain. Usually, the patient is instructed to minimize contact sports and physical exertion for the first month after the orthopedic surgery.
A patient who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery may expect to have an ACE bandage around the surgical site. The patient will be instructed to observe and monitor for discoloration, excessive bleeding, numbness, and excruciating pain in the surgical site. The patient is instructed regarding gentle isometric exercises that the patient can practice at home.
Assistive devices such as crutches, cane, or walker are used by the patient for the first four to six weeks after hip replacement orthopedic surgery. The patient is then enrolled in an exercise program, especially designed to gain strength in the hips and improve the functionality of the hip joint. Most patients can resume normal activities within two to three months after surgery.
Possible Complications
Hemorrhage is a potential life-threatening complication that may arise after these types of surgeries. It is critical to follow post-operative instructions that may involve restrictions in physical activity. Signs and symptoms that range from excruciating pain, tingling, numbness, and severe bleeding of the operative site must be reported promptly so that appropriate interventions can be implemented.
Find Health in Ecuador offers the best facility for patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador. We encourage patients to visit and call us for any inquiry regarding orthopedic surgeries. Visit us today or contact us at (07) 410-8745.
*Originally published on Find Health in Ecuador October 14, 2014
