Reconstructive Surgery

Overview

Reconstructive orthopedic surgery is a highly specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the surgical restoration of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues. Reconstructive orthopedic surgeons are educated to conduct a wide range of surgical operations to treat patients who have sustained significant injuries as a consequence of sports or physical activity, blunt force trauma (such as a car accident), or aging-related issues, among other things.

Surgeons who perform reconstructive orthopedics aim to improve the patient's quality of life while also restoring the afflicted part of the body to full or near-full functioning. Although all reconstructive surgeons are educated to heal musculoskeletal system injuries in general, some may specialize in a specific area, such as pediatric reconstructive surgery (children), shoulder and elbow reconstruction, or joint replacement, among others.

Reconstructive orthopedic surgeons may undertake a variety of surgeries while delivering therapy. Joint replacement surgeries of the knee or hip are common procedures in reconstructive orthopedics; these treatments are critical to mobility and can dramatically enhance a patient's quality of life. Restoring functioning to injured limbs or regions is the overriding objective of reconstructive orthopedics.