Issues In Orthopedics

New treatments are constantly being investigated in orthopedics. 2004 has seen some major developments and some changing treatments. Read through the following to learn about some of the top issues in orthopedics in the year 2004.

• #1: Spinal Disc Replacement
  Disc replacement surgery has emerged as a potential treatment alternative to lumbar fusion surgery. Disc replacements are designed to maintain motion in the spine while relive pain from lumbar disc problems.

• #2: Mini-Incision Hip Replacement
  A new procedure using two small incisions, rather than one larger incision, has been used for hip replacement surgery. The mini hip replacements may lead to decreased post-operative rehabilitation, but it is unclear if the procedure is as good as traditional hip replacements.

• #3: Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
  In the past, rotator cuff repairs were done through a large incision over the shoulder. Mini-open rotator cuff repairs then became more common; these procedures used a small incision along with arthroscopy. Now, rotator cuff repairs can be done entirely arthroscopically, but there are questions as to whether or not the repair is as strong.

• #4: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
  Treatment of plantar fasciitis is successful in the vast majority of patients, but a small number of patients go on to develop chronic plantar fasciitis. These patients have mixed results with surgery, and there are potential complications with surgical intervention. Shock wave therapy may provide an excellent treatment alternative.

• #5: Ceramic Hip Replacement
  Materials used in joint replacement surgery are one of the important factors that determine how long the implant will last. Ceramic hip replacement implants are one of several types of materials used in hip replacement surgery. Only time will tell whether these ceramic joints are better than other hip replacement implant options.