Below are common Orthopedic Tests and Procedures
- Amputation
An amputation is the surgical removal of a all or part of an arm or leg due to injury, infection, or injury.
- Arthrography
Arthrography is a type of imaging test used to look at a joint, such as the shoulder, knee, or hip. It may be done if standard X-rays do not show the needed details of the joint structure and function.
- Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the function of a joint. A joint can be restored by resurfacing the bones. An artificial joint (called a prosthesis) may also be used.
- Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat of conditions affecting joints. The doctor can directly view the internal structures of a joint using an instrument called an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a small, tube shaped instrument that is used to look inside a joint.
- Bone Biopsy
A bone biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the outer layers of bone for examination under a microscope.
- Bone Density Test
A bone density test is used to measure the bone mineral content and density. It may be done using X-rays, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), or a special CT scan that uses computer software to determine bone density of the hip or spine.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy
In the center of most large bones there is a soft tissue called bone marrow. Bone marrow makes most of the body’s blood cells. A bone marrow biopsy involves removing tissue from the red bone marrow. The tissue is sent to the lab for microscopic exam. The biopsy is done using a small needle inserted into the bone.
- Bone Scan
A bone scan is a radiology procedure used to look at the skeleton. It is done to find areas of physical and chemical changes in bone. A bone scan may also be used to see if treatment of certain conditions is working.
- Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery is done to reduce the pain and correct the deformity caused by a bunion. A bunion (hallux valgus) is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe.
- Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel release is surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. During this surgery, the surgeon cuts through a ligament in the wrist to make more room for nerves and tendons to pass through. This can improve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Bones
Computed tomography is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
- Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Spine
Computed tomography is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.
- Epidural Corticosteroid Injections
In the simplest of terms, an epidural corticosteroid (steroid) injection is a way to deliver pain medicine quickly into the body with a syringe.
- Fluoroscopy Procedure
Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures. It’s much like an X-ray “movie” and is often done while a contrast dye moves through the part of the body being examined. Fluoroscopy, as an imaging tool, allows doctors to look at many body systems, including the skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
- Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a worn out or damaged hip joint with a prosthesis (an artificial joint). This surgery may be an option after a hip fracture or for severe pain due to arthritis.
- Joint Aspiration
Joint aspiration is a procedure to remove fluid from the space around a joint using a needle and syringe. It may be done to relieve swelling or to obtain fluid for analysis to diagnose a joint disorder and/or problem.
- Knee Ligament Repair
Ligaments surround a joint to give it support and limit its movement. A torn ligament severely limits knee movement. Surgery is an option to repair a torn ligament if other treatment is not effective.
- Knee Replacement Surgery
When your knee is badly damaged by disease or injury, an artificial knee replacement may be considered. During knee replacement surgery, your joint surfaces are replaced by prostheses. These are plastic and metal parts that are used to replace your joint surfaces.
- Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a procedure used to treat fractures or breaks in the vertebrae. It involves injecting a cement-like material into the vertebra to make it more stable.
- Laminectomy
Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps relieve compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal), or tumors.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissues
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs and structures within the body. It is used to diagnose medical problems.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine and Brain
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body, in this case, the brain and spine. MRI is used to help diagnose a health problem.
- Muscle Biopsy
A muscle biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue to diagnose disease. The tissue is usually removed using a needle.
- Myelogram
A myelogram is a diagnostic imaging test generally done by a radiologist. It uses a contrast dye and X-rays or computed tomography (CT) to look for problems in the spinal canal. Problems can develop in the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other tissues. This test is also called myelography.
- Rotator Cuff Repair
The rotator cuff is the muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. The rotator cuff can become injured or wear down with age. If injured, the rotator cuff may need surgery to repair it.
- Sympathetic Nerve Blocks for Pain
This therapy targets the sympathetic nervous system, a series of nerves that spread out from your spine to your body to help control several body functions, including blood flow.
- Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a procedure used to treat fractures or breaks in the vertebrae. In this procedure, a thick cement mixture is injected into a fractured vertebra to stabilize the spine.
- X-rays of the Extremities
X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs. Standard X-rays are done for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries.
- X-rays of the Spine, Neck, or Back
This procedure may be used to diagnose back or neck pain, fractures or broken bones, arthritis, degeneration of the disks, tumors, or other problems.
