Orthopedic surgery is sometimes necessary to address an orthopedic condition, whether acute or chronic. If the condition is best addressed through surgery, the patient’s suitability is carefully considered by any reputable orthopedic surgeon. The physician will look at the patient’s age, and tailor their treatment approach according to their unique needs.
In this article, we are going to discuss tailoring orthopedic treatment based on age, what would call for it, and other considerations. We will also recommend a top orthopedic surgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas, who can treat patients of all ages.
Surgery for Children and Adolescents
For young patients, treatment programs may involve conservative approaches such as bracing and casting, as younger patients tend to heal faster. Monitoring the growth of bones and joints of younger patients is important, as they are still growing and developing.
Surgery for children is usually recommended for the following:
- Complex fractures, such as a displaced growth plate fracture
- Congenital deformities, such as scoliosis
- Limb discrepancies
Surgery for Active Adults
Treatment approaches for active adults aim to restore function and mobility in as short a time as possible. Orthopedic surgery recommended may be with minimally invasive techniques, such as arthroscopy, which can repair damaged soft tissues without the need for large incisions.
Some of the most commonly performed surgeries on active adults are:
- Repair of a labral (SLAP) tear of the shoulder
- Rotator cuff tear repair
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear repair
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear repair
- Collateral ligament sprains (LCL and MCL) repair
- Meniscus tear repair
- Treatment of articular cartilage disorders
Athletes with chronic issues with tendon pain or tendonitis may also benefit from PRP injections, which boost healing of the tendon.
Seniors
Seniors are living longer than ever before, which means the demand for orthopedic surgeries among the elderly population is also increasing significantly. If you have an orthopedic condition that is affecting your quality of life, you may be thinking whether or not surgery is too late for you.
It helps to know that more than half of orthopedic procedures in the US are performed on patients ages 65 and older. Orthopedic surgeons treating seniors should consider the unique challenges faced by older patients, such as:
- Age-related conditions
- Reduced bone density
- Tolerance for surgical intervention
It is a critical step for the orthopedic surgeon to perform a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s overall health to identify factors that can increase risk of complications.
Some of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries on seniors include:
However, seniors not eligible for surgery may be good candidates for ultrasound-guided injections, such as corticosteroids and viscosupplementation, which can provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Tailoring Orthopedic Treatment Based on Age
Tailoring orthopedic treatment based on age requires a comprehensive assessment of factors beyond chronological age. Younger individuals may require surgical interventions for sports injuries, while elderly patients may benefit from joint replacement surgeries to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Timing of Surgery
The timing of orthopedic surgery is another critical aspect that should be carefully evaluated, especially for elderly patients. The optimal time frame for surgery plays a vital role in ensuring successful outcomes and minimizing complications in this specific age group.
Advancements in Regenerative Medicine
In recent years, regenerative medicine has emerged as a promising field that can aid in post-orthopedic surgery recovery. Techniques such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have shown potential in accelerating healing and reducing recovery time for the patient. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize orthopedic treatment for younger adults and seniors providing alternative options for optimizing healing outcomes.
Specialized Care for Different Needs
It is crucial for patients to be referred to appropriate subspecialties within orthopedic surgery based on their specific needs. Specialized programs cater to children at various ages and stages of development, ensuring healthy growth and optimal function. Similarly, sports-related injuries may require specialized care from orthopedic sports medicine specialists who are trained and experienced in sports medicine.
Orthopedic Surgery in Little Rock, AK
Dr. Bill Hefley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas, specializing in minimally invasive orthopedic procedures. Dr. Hefley also has advanced training in sports medicine. Our orthopedic team can treat athletes of all ages and seniors with our highly individualized treatment programs.
We value your health and convenience and strive to make getting orthopedic care easy for our patients. For any questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hefley, call our office today at (800) 336-2412 or use our online request form. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving your needs in our Little Rock orthopedic office.
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