Orthopedics at Monmouth Pain

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system is comprised of the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments. Monmouth Pain’s orthopedic surgeons combine expertise with compassion to provide results to both simple and complex orthopedic conditions. Through the collaboration with our multidisciplinary team and by using the best of diagnostic imaging, our orthopedic surgeons can quickly provide a diagnosis and formulate treatment options. Treatment options include using the newest techniques to provide the best outcome for your condition. 

Monmouth Pain utilizes our growing team of Orthopedic Surgeons to evaluate, diagnose and treat conditions of the Spine (Back and Neck), Shoulder, Knee, Hip, Foot, Ankle, Hand and Wrist. If you seek an Orthopedic Evaluation, look no further. Our surgeons look to get to the cause of your problem with thorough consultation, examination and imaging. Orthopedic surgeons typically order additional imaging and diagnostic testing to better understand your condition. These tests may include the following:

• X-Ray
• MRI Scan
• CT Scan
• Ultrasound
• Nerve Conduction Study (NCV)
• Diagnostic Ultrasound
• Bone Scan
• Blood Testing

Once the Orthopedic Surgeon understands exactly what the problem is, treatment options are discussed to resolve the problem.

When Is Orthopedic Surgery Necessary?

In most cases, neurosurgery is recommended only after more conservative treatments have failed to provide desired results. In some cases, an evaluation of the patient’s condition may result in doctors recommending neurosurgery as the first course of action because an issue needs to be treated right away to prevent further complications or issues.

Some conditions or symptoms that might be treated by neurosurgery include:

• ACL Tears
• Meniscus Tears
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Achilles Tendon Tears / Ruptures
• Knee Replacements
• Hip Replacements

Types of Orthopedic Surgery Procedures

Orthopedic Surgeries can be conducted using a range of technologies and techniques that move well beyond the traditional scalpel. Here are just a few types of procedures that fall under this umbrella:

Arthroscopic Surgery

During this procedure, small incisions are made so that small tubes can be inserted without the need for opening an entire area.  Instruments go through the tube along with camera lenses. Repair work with these instruments under the guidance of the camera lenses. This procedure is minimally invasive and is used to both diagnose (see what the problem is) as well as treat a variety of different knee problems.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Also known as carpal tunnel release, during this procedure the surgeon opens up the space to allow for the nerve and tendons to pass through this space.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be painful and also cause muscle weakness.  The release surgery often provides immediate relief by restoring normal nerve flow to the median nerve.

Foot & Ankle Surgery

Because the weight of the body presses down onto the foot and ankle, surgeries involving the foot and ankle take more recovery time to get back to full activity. The most common types of foot and ankle surgeries include Ankle Repairs, Metatarsal (toe) Surgery, Morton’s Neuroma Surgery, Surgery for Achilles Tendon Disorders, Bunion Surgery, and Plantar Fasciitis Surgery.  

Hand & Wrist Surgery

In addition to the very common Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery, there are other common surgeries to the hand and wrist such as Trigger Finger Release, Tendon Repair Surgery, Ganglion Cyst Removal, and general surgeries for arthritis in the wrist.  Following most hand and wrist surgeries, proper rehabilitation from an Occupational Therapist can expedite the recovery time and get you back to optimal function.

Hip Surgery

The most common type of hip surgery is the total hip replacement which is also known as hip arthroplasty.  During this surgery your hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant.  This surgery has a very high success rate and is often considered the most successful type of joint replacement.  Recovery time is short compared with other types of joint replacement procedures and rehabilitation should begin immediately after a hip replacement.  Other common hip surgeries include partial hip replacement surgery and Hip Resurfacing Surgery.

Joint Replacement

Joint Replacement or Arthroplasty is necessary when the joint is damaged beyond conservative rehabilitation where pain is constant and function is diminished.  Orthopedic surgeons can replace almost all joints of the body, but the most common joint replacements are for the hip and the knee.  Common causes for joint replacement are severe arthritis and degeneration of the joint caused from overuse, injury, disease, or sometimes just from genetics.

Knee Surgery

Knee surgery can vary from the minimally invasive Arthroscopy procedures to Total Knee Replacement and Ligament Repairs to the ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL ligaments.   Arthroscopy is the most common surgery to the knee.  Causes for Knee surgery include activity-based work, general activity, or sports injuries, arthritis, and abnormal movements over time causes degeneration to the different parts of the knee.  Recovery time for most invasive knee surgeries is at least six weeks, but can be much longer.  

Reconstructive Surgery

Joint reconstructive surgery is considered a subspecialty of orthopedic surgery.  The general definition of reconstructive surgery includes a variety of surgical procedures to treat and repair damaged bones, tendons, ligaments and joints caused from injuries such as automobile accidents, sports injuries or arthritic conditions often associated with aging.  The types of procedures can range from minor repairs to total joint replacement.

Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder Surgery is utilized when conservative treatments have failed.  Minimally invasive arthroscopy can be used to treat some shoulder conditions such as impingement syndrome which is also known as bursitis or rotator cuff tendonitis.

Rotator cuff repair is a very common surgery of the shoulder. Exam findings and MRI imaging findings will determine the course of treatment.  Rotator cuff surgery to repair rotator cuff tears can be performed through either an Open surgical approach or through an Arthroscopic approach which will depend on the severity of the condition.  

Other types of shoulder surgeries include Total Shoulder Replacement, Arthroscopy for Frozen Shoulder, and Acromioclavicular Joint (AC Joint) Surgery.

Soft Tissue Repair

Soft tissue repair falls into the general class of orthopedic care involving repair to damaged areas such as the tendon, muscle, ligament and nerve.  Injuries to these areas occur commonly as a result of automobile accidents, slips and falls and sports injuries.  Sprains, strains, deep bruising (called contusions), tendinosis, tendonitis, and bursitis are types of soft tissue injuries. 

Conservative care often involving physical therapy, acupuncture, pain management or sports medicine is the first line of treatment for these types of injuries.  When these types of treatments are ineffective, an orthopedic surgeon can intervene to make repairs to some of these conditions.