Advanced Bone & Joint

Am I a Good Candidate for Orthopedic Surgery?

You use your musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, and other soft tissues) for just about every movement you make. Such heavy reliance can set you up for injuries and conditions, which can cause pain and other symptoms that can threaten your mobility and interfere with your quality of life.

While conservative interventions are the first-line treatment for most musculoskeletal problems, there are injuries that almost always require immediate surgical intervention. Additionally, there are certain musculoskeletal issues that are prone to end in surgery.

Below, you’ll learn about the symptoms that lead orthopedic doctors to recommend surgical treatment as well as how they determine whether a patient is a candidate for an elective surgical procedure.

Why You Might Need Orthopedic Surgery

Your orthopedic surgeon may deem immediate surgery necessary if you have severe pain and swelling; loss of mobility/ function; bleeding; visible deformity, or your bone has broken through your skin.

In some cases, your orthopedic surgeon may eventually recommend surgery if your symptoms are resistant to a lengthy course of conservative treatment. These include the following:

  • Swelling
  • Crepitus (crackling or popping sensation)
  • Difficulty bearing weight
  • Instability
  • Severe, debilitating, or chronic joint pain

The type of orthopedic surgery you need will depend on your specific type of injury or condition and its location. It could be any of the following:

Assessing Your Eligibility for Orthopedic Surgery

Your orthopedic surgeon will first assess your current health condition, medical history, lifestyle, among other factors to determine your eligibility for an elective orthopedic surgery. Generally, if you’re in good overall health or if you don’t have any condition (e.g., active infection/ sepsis, severe vascular disease, osteoporosis, bleeding disorder, muscle weakness, etc.) that can impact your recovery, you will likely be a good candidate for orthopedic surgery.

Orthopedic Surgeon in St. Peters, O’Fallon and Wentzville, MO

If you have a musculoskeletal injury or condition for which surgery may be necessary, turn to our board-certified orthopedic surgeons here at Advanced Bone & Joint. Our providers are best known for their versatility, compassionate care, and dedication to delivering the best possible treatment outcomes. You can rely on our experts to do everything possible to ensure your safety, comfort, and successful return to your normal activities.

Book your appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons today. Contact us at (636) 229-4222 or fill out this appointment request form.