Conditions require various surgeries, and it mostly depends on the affected part of your body. For example, you need an orthopedic surgeon for knee replacement, while you need a general surgeon for appendix removal. Because a doctor’s expertise is unique to their specialty, you must select the right surgeon for your condition. Your healthcare provider will advise you on which kind of surgeon you should go to. Here’s how orthopedic and general surgery differs:
What Is Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic surgery covers the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The system includes:
- Bones – Hard structures that come in different shapes and sizes and provide support for the body
- Cartilage – Flexible connective tissue that acts as a buffer or cushion for bones
- Joints – Point of connection between two or more bones
- Ligaments – Tough bands of fibrous tissue that connects a joint, bones, or cartilages together
- Muscles – Stretchy fibers that give you the ability to move
- Tendons – Tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones
Aside from the six prominent parts of the musculoskeletal system, it also involves other connective tissue. They provide support, protection, and cohesion to other parts of the body.
Most Common Types Of Orthopedic Surgery
The usual causes of conditions that require orthopedic surgery involve sports and other activity-related injuries, accidents, cancer, birth defects, and aging. While the most common body parts that require surgery are the spine and joints, like ankles, knees, wrists, shoulders, and hips.
The most common orthopedic surgeries are:
- ACL Reconstruction Surgery – Treats damage or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, the bands of tissue attaching two bones together in the knee
- Arthroscopic Knee Surgery – A minimally invasive procedure used for diagnosis and treatment of knee conditions
- Ankle Repair Surgery – Used to treat a misaligned or unstable joint following a fracture
- Bone Fusion – A bone transplant is used to put fractured bones back together
- Spinal Fusion – Permanent combination of vertebrae to address instability
- Debridement – Removal of damaged tissue
- Knee Replacement Surgery – The damaged joint is substituted with metal components, either partially or totally
- Hip Replacement Surgery – Another procedure that replaces a damaged joint with metal substitutes, either partially or completely
- Shoulder Arthroscopy – Another minimally invasive procedure to address a shoulder injury
- Soft Tissue Repair – Reconstruction or repair of damaged tendons or ligaments
What Is General Surgery?
The coverage of general surgery includes the diagnosis, treatment, and preoperative and postoperative care for a diverse set of illnesses. It’s responsible for diseases that affect your:
- Abdominal Organs – Includes your appendix, stomach, pancreas, liver, small and large intestines, kidneys, spleen, gallbladder, and rectum
- Breast – Tissue situated on the chest
- Endocrine System – The system responsible for producing and regulating your hormones, and is made up of your hypothalamus and several glands
- Gastrointestinal Tract – Also known as the digestive or alimentary tract, it includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and anus
- Skin – The tissue that acts as an outer layer of the body
- Soft Tissue – Refers to muscles or connective tissues like fascia, tendons, and ligaments
General surgeons also deal with trauma and are adept at surgical critical care. The latter refers to the specialty of caring for patients with surgical conditions that potentially threaten their life.
Most Common Types of General Surgery
General surgery is an option for a wide range of illnesses concerning different systems of the body. The most common surgeries under this specialty are:
- Appendectomy – Removal of an infected or burst appendix
- Cholecystectomy – Removal of a gallbladder due to gallstones or inflammation
- Endocrine Surgery – Used to treat endocrine diseases like goiter, hyperparathyroidism, and tumors
- Gastric Bypass Surgery – A procedure used to treat morbid obesity
- Hemorrhoidectomy – The extraction of hemorrhoids, or swollen blood vessels in the anus
- Hernia Repair – A procedure to treat the protrusion of an organ or other tissue
- Laparoscopy – A way to diagnose you by allowing your surgeon to see your abdominal and reproductive organs
- Mastectomy – Commonly used to treat breast cancer and involves the surgical removal of one or both breasts
- Nissen Fundoplication – Prevents acid reflux by tightening the muscle at the lower end of the esophagus
- Splenectomy – The removal of an enlarged or ruptured spleen
Orthopedic Surgeon in Farmington Hills, MI
Surgeons receive additional specialized training in order to become experts in their field. It’s important that you select a healthcare practitioner with the qualifications necessary to treat your condition. That means when it comes to injuries and illnesses of the musculoskeletal system, it’s best for you to find an orthopedic surgeon. Similarly, if your condition demands it, see a general surgeon.
If you’re looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Michigan, look no further than Tri County Orthopedics. Our board-certified orthopedists, Dr. Linard and Dr. Lennox, can give you the comprehensive care you need, from diagnosis to recovery. To know more about our services, you may call our friendly staff at (248) 474-5575. If you want to schedule a consultation, you may use our secure online appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
