At OPS we can diagnose and treat problems dealing with diseases, injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. This includes the body’s muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves.
We specialize in giving the highest quality care in general orthopaedics, fracture care, sports medicine/arthroscopy, joint replacement and spine care.
Arthroscopic surgery is a surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. A small incision about 1/4” is made to fit an arthroscope, which is a small, fiber optic medical device. The arthroscope enables orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose and treat problems such as ligament tears, arthritis and joint injuries quickly and effectively. Through the incision, various instruments can be inserted into the joint to trim, remove or repair damaged structures.
Arthroscopic surgery is popular for treating sports injuries. In most cases is it easier on the patient’s body then “open surgery” and the patient can return home several hours after surgery. The incisions leave very little scarring and many times are unnoticeable.
Joint Replacement is when a surgeon replaces a joint that is damaged by trauma or arthritis with an artificial joint.
A joint is a thick tissue that connects the ends of two or more bones. When the cartilage in a joint is damaged or diseased the joint becomes stiff and painful. When only some of the joint is damaged, a surgeon may be able to repair or replace just the damaged parts. When the entire joint is damaged, a total joint replacement is done.
Joint replacement surgery will bring great relief to anyone suffering this kind of discomfort. This type of surgery involves the use of metal and plastic to replace the worn, arthritic surfaces of various joints. We do not cut out the entire joint, but shave off the worn surfaces using special instruments. Metal pieces replace the bony surfaces and plastic acts as the cartilage spacers in our joints.
In addition to providing general orthopaedic services, Dr. Charko also performs spinal surgery. You will receive the highest quality of care to help treat conditions causing back pain due to herniated discs, disc disease, stenosis and sciatica
There are various ways to treat fractures. Bracing or casting the injured area can treat many fractures, however some serious fractures may require surgery.
For fractures requiring surgery there are several treatment options. Surgery usually requires the use of devices like plates, screws, pins or rods. Intramedullary rods are metal rods that are inserted into the center of the shaft of a bone. Common sites for intramedullary rods are the shafts of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). External fixtures utilize threaded pins that are drilled perpendicular to the bone and are attached using couplers, to rods external to the limb to hold the fracture in position.
A common term you will hear is open reduction and internal fixation. This means an incision must be made to reach the fracture. The bone is aligned and one of the devices listed above is inserted to stabilize the fracture. Conversely, closed reduction and internal fixation means an incision is not made over the fracture. An example of this is the treatment for a femur fracture. Usually these fractures will be aligned using a fracture table that applies traction to the limb to realign it. An incision is made by the hip and a rod is placed down the center of the bone.
It doesn’t matter where or how your injury or issue occurred – OPS has got you covered. We’re well equipped to serve our patients on an emergency or planned basis, and work closely with you to ensure you’re getting the exact treatment you need to recover as quickly and safely as possible.
