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What is orthopedic surgery?

Orthopedic surgery focuses on caring for the skeletal system and its interconnected components, including bones, muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, nerves, etc. 

An orthopedic injury may occur from an accident or other physical trauma to the musculoskeletal system. Age alone might occasionally pose a risk for orthopedic injuries as bones lose density with age, making them more prone to breaks and compression fractures. 

Who is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon?

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons receive training to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders (joint, bone, or muscle disorders) in infants, children, and adolescents. They often work in specialty pediatric clinics and hospitals. They handle the special orthopedic needs of children and coordinate with different pediatric specialists to provide multidisciplinary care to children with multiple health problems.

What conditions do pediatric orthopedic surgeons treat?

Bone, joint, and muscle problems in children are very different compared to adults. As children grow, their response to an infection, injury, or deformity will differ significantly from that of an adult. Sometimes, an orthopedic problem in a child may be a growth deviation that goes away with time. For instance, in-toeing (feet turning inward instead of pointing straight ahead) in a young child goes away as the child grows. Common musculoskeletal disorders in children include the following:

• Broken bones
• Gait ligaments (limping)
• Spine and limb deformities at birth or acquired later in life (scoliosis, clubfoot, length differences in arms and legs)
• Muscles, joint, and bone infections
• Bursitis and tendinitis
• Torn ligaments (rotator cuff tears, anterior ligament injuries, etc).

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons may also collaborate with other specialists to treat complex pediatric conditions like:

• Spina bifida
• Muscular dystrophy
• Juvenile arthritis
• Cerebral palsy
• Bone tumors and cancer

What to expect at a pediatric orthopedic appointment?

Parents or guardians must accompany the child and assist them in answering questions and providing information. A pediatric orthopedist will first ask parents or guardians about the child's problem and symptoms. They will also review the child's medical history and their family history. 

The surgeon will then conduct a physical exam considering the child's age and symptoms. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons often devise creative ways to examine young children, like observing them handle objects, run, and play. Depending on their observation, they may recommend diagnostic tests like ultrasound, x-ray, CT scan, or blood test. 

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons have extensive expertise in various treatments specific to children, such as implants, bracing, and casting. Conditions like clubfoot, fractures, and hip dysplasia do not need surgery and can be easily treated with bracing and casting. 

Most common acute orthopedic injuries

Acute injuries are severe, unexpected, and frequently the product of high-intensity incidents, resulting in fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries. You must consult an orthopedist if you are experiencing pain due to a sudden movement, accident, or fall. The following are some common acute orthopedic injuries:

• Ankle sprain: 

Ankle sprains frequently occur when playing sports, doing high-impact activities, or performing tasks requiring many fast twists, rotations, or pivots. 

• Meniscus tear: 

Your knee's meniscus aids in turning and supporting your weight. You risk tearing it when you turn or twist too abruptly while standing on one foot and bending the knee. It frequently occurs in older people and professional athletes. 

• Plantar fasciitis: 

It is an inflammation of the thick ligament that supports the foot arch and unites the heel to the toes. It is the most common cause of heel discomfort and results in pain, numbness, and swelling.

• Shoulder dislocation: 

A dislocated shoulder may result from falls, contact sports, or accidents. They cause excruciating pain and make the arm or shoulder appear abnormal. 

• Tennis elbow: 

It is a condition that produces pain in the elbow and is brought on by overusing the muscles in the arm, forearm, and hand. 

• Rotator cuff tear: 

Over time, the shoulder tendon degenerates, and when you move your shoulder or raise your arm, it may feel excruciating and inflexible.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: 

It occurs due to a pinched nerve in the wrist. Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, wrist traumas, and other medical disorders can all cause this disease.

• Wrist fracture: 

Wrist fractures frequently happen following a fall on an extended hand. 

• Stress fracture: 

A bone injury brought on by overuse is called a stress fracture. Muscle fatigue and weakness diminish the muscles' capacity to cushion the impact on the bones, which results in the bones absorbing most of the stress and breaking or cracking.

• Compression fracture: 

A compression fracture is a minor fracture in the bone that causes it to collapse. It most frequently occurs in the bones supporting the spinal cord, with osteoporosis being the leading cause.

Best foods to promote recovery after orthopedic surgery

What you consume after orthopedic surgery significantly affects how quickly and effectively you recover. Surgery triggers a stress reaction in the body that stimulates the metabolism and increases our need for calories, in addition to the fact that your body needs more calories to heal. The following are the top foods to include in your diet after orthopedic surgery:

• Protein: 

Excellent protein sources include soy, dairy, beans, eggs, cottage cheese, poultry, fish, meat, and nuts. Ensure that these are included in every meal so your bones and muscles can heal and your immune system can continue functioning well to prevent infections.

• Vitamin C: 

Your ligaments and tendons are composed of collagen, which your body requires when healing, and vitamin C aids in your body's collagen production. Eating citrus fruits, veggies, berries, and potatoes ensures you get enough vitamin C.

• Calcium: 

You must ingest calcium to maintain strong bones, as the body cannot produce it. Moreover, bones constantly lose tiny amounts of calcium every day. When thinking of calcium-rich foods, dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt come to mind. However, spinach, kale, and chia seeds contain even more calcium.

• Vitamin D: 

Consuming vitamin D ensures our bodies absorb calcium in foods like orange juice, almond milk, etc.

Foods to avoid after surgery

Consuming the right foods is critical to avoiding unpleasant effects that could hinder your recovery. At the same time, there are some foods that you must avoid while recovering from orthopedic surgery, such as:

• Potentially constipating foods: 

Constipation may be more likely if you take prescription painkillers and are relatively immobile. As per the National Institute on Aging (NIA), specific diets low in fiber may result in constipation. Thus, avoid high-fat foods, eggs, dairy products, and sweets. 

• Highly processed foods: 

You may feel like eating little after surgery and might be tempted to eat whatever appeals to you. Highly processed foods, typically white, sweet, and packaged or with added colors, are your body's primary sources of carbs. Consuming these foods results in high insulin levels as they sap your body's strength and ability to repair. To solve this problem, increase your vegetable intake and decrease your use of processed meals. 

• Sugar additions: 

Even though added sugar is heavy in calories and provides your body with no nutritional benefits, it gives your taste buds an immediate reward. While you might experience a brief surge of vigor and alertness, you will soon grow exhausted and drained after consuming sugar. Another reason to avoid sugary meals after surgery is that bacteria and viruses love sugar. 

• Alcohol: 

After surgery, you could anticipate having a drink to relax or unwind. However, alcohol thins your blood and slows down blood coagulation. Your incision may take longer to heal, and your risk of bleeding will considerably increase. Alcohol also weakens your immune system, increasing your vulnerability to infection. Moreover, it also causes your blood vessels to swell. 

Other tips for quick recovery following surgery

In addition to eating well, follow the following advice to recover more quickly after undergoing orthopedic surgery:

• Control your pain: 

After surgery, there will be some pain, but you can manage it by adhering to your doctor's prescription for painkillers. Ensure you can move about quickly post-surgery and inquire about using a sleeping aid before bed with your physician.

• Get moving: 

Discuss the exercises you should perform with your physician. You risk infection, pneumonia, and blood clots if you spend all day in bed. Thus, you can speed up the healing process by moving about to increase your blood flow.

• Get enough sleep: 

Your body may repair and restore itself while you sleep. Construct a peaceful and cozy resting space and schedule regular rest breaks during the day.

The role a pediatric orthopedic surgeon plays in sports injuries

While a pediatric orthopedic surgeon plays multiple roles when offering treatment, their involvement is divided into stages. Here are the following:

• Understanding sports injuries in children

Participation in sports is essential to a child's physical and social development. However, it also comes with the risk of injuries. Sports injuries in children can vary widely, ranging from minor strains/sprains to more severe fractures and ligament tears. Common sports injuries in children include ankle sprains, knee injuries, fractures, and overuse injuries like tendonitis.

Due to their still-developing bodies, children are more prone to some kinds of injuries. Growth plates, which are areas of cartilage at the end of long bones, are particularly vulnerable to damage in young athletes. These growth plates are crucial for bone growth and can be injured during activities that involve sudden impacts or repetitive stress.

Recognizing and promptly treating sports injuries in children is vital to prevent long-term issues and ensure a speedy recovery. Proper diagnosis and management of these injuries often require the help of a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.

• Diagnosing and developing treatment plans

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons utilize a combination of physical examinations, imaging tests like X-rays and MRI scans, and medical history to identify the nature and extent of the injury.

Once diagnosed, the orthopedic surgeon develops an individualized treatment plan tailored to the child's injury and needs. Treatment may involve nonsurgical approaches such as rest, immobilization, physical therapy, or bracing for minor injuries. For more severe injuries like fractures or ligament tears, surgical intervention may be necessary. 

In addition to providing treatment, pediatric orthopedic surgeons are essential in providing education to patients and their families about injury prevention strategies. This may include guidance on proper warm-up exercises, equipment use, technique, and gradual progression of training intensity. By empowering children and their parents with knowledge, orthopedic surgeons help reduce the risk of future injuries and promote long-term musculoskeletal health.

Key considerations for choosing the right orthopedic surgeon near you

Finding the right orthopedic surgeon is essential for successful musculoskeletal care. Certain key factors can help you make a well-informed choice, ensuring you receive high-quality treatment and the best possible outcomes.

Credentials and qualifications

Start by looking at the orthopedic surgeon’s credentials. Board certification, relevant training, and memberships in professional organizations indicate a strong foundation in orthopedic care. These qualifications show that the surgeon has the proper education and skills to deliver expert treatment, helping you feel confident in your abilities.

Specialization and expertise

Orthopedic surgeons often specialize in joint replacement, sports medicine, or spine surgery. Identifying a surgeon whose expertise aligns with your needs can significantly impact your results. For example, an orthopedic surgeon near you specializing in joint replacement would be ideal if you need knee surgery. This focus on specific procedures means the surgeon has the experience and skills to provide the best possible care for your condition.

Experience and success rate

Experience is another critical factor. A surgeon with a substantial history of performing the procedure you need is likely to have developed a refined skill set. Studying the track record and success rates in similar surgeries as a surgeon with numerous successful procedures can offer peace of mind and a better chance of positive results.

Patient reviews and testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials is a helpful way to understand a surgeon’s communication skills, patient care approach, and treatment quality. Patients often share their experiences, providing insight into what you can expect regarding care, bedside manner, and overall satisfaction. Look for consistent positive feedback on aspects like the surgeon’s attentiveness, respect, and effectiveness in addressing patient concerns.

Referrals and recommendations

Personal recommendations from trusted sources—such as healthcare providers, friends, or family members—can guide you toward a reputable orthopedic surgeon near you with a good standing in the medical community. These referrals often reflect a surgeon’s ability to connect well with patients and build trust, which can be reassuring when undergoing surgery.

How to find the best orthopedic surgeon near you in Paterson, NJ?

Do you want additional information on post-surgery care or assistance with a pre-existing condition? Do you require an injury diagnosis or help with recovery and rehabilitation? Orthopedic surgeons can provide the services and treatments you need. Find the correct surgeon on Zocdoc, a platform committed to helping patients access high-quality healthcare. 

Visit the Zocdoc platform and enter your problem or symptoms and location to get a list of the best orthopedic surgeons near you. You can also filter the search results per the provider's hospital affiliations, available appointment slots, gender, languages spoken, and whether or not they treat children. You may also use the drop-down menu to select your insurance company and plan to check if a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Paterson, NJ, accepts it. It should automatically filter the results to in-network providers. 

If your insurance plan isn't listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card. Zocdoc will scan the image to identify your likely plan. However, this feature is not available for vision or dental insurance. If you encounter any issues uploading your card or have insurance-related concerns, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.

Zocdoc also gives details about each healthcare provider's educational history, including their clinical experience, certificates, licenses, awards, and accreditations, to assist you in making a more informed choice. Read sincere and trustworthy patient testimonials to support your decision. You may schedule a face-to-face or online consultation after shortlisting a specialist. 

All bookings on Zocdoc are easy, secure, and free!

Orthopedic statistics for New Jersey

According to data published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), New Jersey had about 892 orthopedic surgeons in 2018, compared to a population of 9,005,644. It equals a surgeon density ratio of 9.09. (per 100000). According to records, the approximate age of these orthopedic physicians was 56. Additionally, 92.1% (821) of practicing orthopedic surgeons were men, and 5.4% (48) were women.

According to a different New Jersey State Health Assessment Data report, the standardized infection ratio (SIR) for knee arthroplasty across New Jersey hospitals from 2010 to 2020 was 0.95 2010. In 2011, it increased to 1.12, indicating that the actual number for that year was higher than anticipated. The SIR ratio significantly decreased in the years 2012 (0.86), 2013 (0.61), 2014 (0.57), and 2015 (0.62). However, the updated baseline calculation showed a sizable increase in 2016 (1.53), which decreased in the following years before spiking to 1.45 in 2020. It demonstrates a rise in the incidence of the infection in question.

Sources

Medical News Today

Beaumont Health

The Key LLC

Homage

Proliance Orthopedic Associates

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons[1]

New Jersey Department of Health

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons[2]

Dayton Orthopedic Surgery

Movement Orthopedics

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.