Orthopaedics

Arthritides are a group of inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Common types include rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, and osteoarthritis, caused by age-related wear and tear. Symptoms often include joint pain, morning stiffness, and reduced motion. Diagnosis is made using blood tests and imaging. Untreated arthritis can lead to joint deformity and limited mobility. Management involves medications, physiotherapy, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular low-impact exercise to preserve joint function and quality of life.

Back and neck pain are common orthopedic issues affecting spinal muscles, ligaments, and discs. Causes include poor posture, prolonged sitting, disc herniation, muscle strain, or arthritis. Symptoms range from stiffness and pain to tingling or numbness if nerves are involved. Diagnosis involves physical examination and imaging like X-rays or MRI. Complications may include chronic pain and nerve compression. Management focuses on ergonomic adjustments, regular stretching, strengthening exercises, and early intervention to maintain mobility, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence.

Back and spine disorders encompass conditions affecting the spinal column, leading to pain, nerve compression, and limited movement. Common issues include sciatica, cervical spondylosis, and disc prolapse. These disorders often result from age-related degeneration, herniated discs, poor posture, or trauma. Diagnosis involves physical examination, imaging such as MRI or X-ray, and occasionally nerve conduction studies. Management focuses on pain relief, physiotherapy, ergonomic adjustments, posture correction, and strengthening exercises to prevent complications like chronic pain, nerve damage, and reduced mobility.

Bursitis is the inflammation of bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction in joints. It commonly affects shoulders, elbows, hips, or knees and results in pain, swelling, and limited movement. Causes include repetitive joint movements, trauma, prolonged pressure, or infection. Diagnosis involves clinical examination, imaging like ultrasound or MRI, and sometimes fluid aspiration if infection is suspected. Management focuses on reducing inflammation, protecting the joint, physiotherapy, and preventing recurrence through activity modification and supportive measures.

Closed reduction and plaster or cast application is a non-surgical procedure used to realign fractured bones without surgical intervention. The fracture is manually set under analgesia or sedation, and proper alignment is confirmed using X-rays. Once aligned, the bone is immobilized with a plaster or synthetic cast to maintain stability during healing. The procedure helps correct displaced fractures without surgery and ensures proper bone union. Post-procedure care involves cast maintenance, elevation of the affected limb, monitoring neurovascular status, and physiotherapy after cast removal to restore function and strength.

Fracture and dislocation management involves a range of treatments, including casting, splinting, or surgical fixation, to restore proper bone or joint alignment and function. The goal is to prevent malunion, instability, and long-term complications while reducing pain and promoting healing. Procedures may include closed reduction with a cast or splint, or open reduction with plates, screws, or other fixation devices. Imaging guidance ensures accurate alignment. Recovery involves immobilization, pain management, and physiotherapy, with follow-up imaging to monitor bone healing and functional restoration.

Intra-articular and joint injections involve delivering corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or local anesthetics directly into joints or tendons to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They are commonly used for osteoarthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, or acute arthritis flares, providing symptomatic relief and facilitating rehabilitation. The procedure can be performed using anatomical landmarks or ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement under sterile conditions. Injections may be administered as single or repeated doses depending on the condition. Post-procedure care includes brief joint rest, monitoring for infection, and physiotherapy to restore optimal function.