When I Do I Need Surgery

Orthopaedic surgery is generally functional surgery to improve the function of the patient. It treats symptoms experienced by the patient.

Unless there is a fracture, dislocation, tumor, or rapidly progressive deformity, surgery is always a choice. The conditions mentioned above generally need surgery to help prevent deterioration and irreversible change.

On the whole however, most orthopaedic surgery treats conditions that are degenerative or mechanically unstable and results in functional impairment.  “Do I need surgery?” is a question that patients often ask Dr.Balakumar.

The answer depends on the patient’s symptoms and how debilitating the symptoms are for that patient’s lifestyle. For example an up and coming professional athlete who has a impinging hip may decide to go ahead and have surgery to fix this as soon as possible, so as to facilitate return to sports.

However someone leading a less active lifestyle may choose to modify their lifestyle, try medications and physio prior to seeking surgical treatment.

Mostly orthopaedic surgery is a choice that the surgeon will help you make. It is the combination of the information the patients provide, the examination and imaging that will allow the surgeon to make recommendations. Ultimately it is the patient’s choice.

Patients are often worried taking medication for the rest of their life can be disasterous to their health. Most painkillers are safe and certainly this is not a reason to have surgery.