WHAT DISEASES DO ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMATOLOGY TREAT?

• Treatment of broken bones and managing the treatment of the healing process.
• Conditions such as joint pain, arthritis, and joint inflammations.
• Spine problems such as waist and neck pain, scoliosis, and hernias.
• Injuries that occur during sports such as football, basketball, and running.
• Joint surgery such as knee, hip, and shoulder, conditions that need to be corrected by surgery.
• Muscle and ligament injuries, especially due to sports injuries.
• Congenital bone or joint problems.
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs after fracture or injury.

WHAT ARE THE DIAGNOSTIC METHODS USED IN ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMATOLOGY?

1. Radiological imaging: Imaging techniques such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to diagnose bone fractures, joint problems, spine problems, and other structural disorders.
2. Ultrasonography (USG): It can be used to evaluate soft tissues such as joint fluids, tendons, muscles and ligaments.
3. Blood tests: Blood tests such as markers of inflammation, rheumatoid factor, CRP (C-reactive protein) can be used to determine the presence of arthritis and other systemic diseases.
4. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests: Used to evaluate muscle and nerve functions and can help identify nerve damage or muscle diseases.
5. Biopsy: Taking tissue samples and examining them pathologically for suspicious tumors or infections.
6. Physical examination: A primary diagnostic method in which the doctor evaluates the patient’s symptoms and physical findings.

The combination of these methods helps to make an accurate diagnosis of the disease and plan appropriate treatment.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT METHODS APPLIED IN ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMATOLOGY?

Treatment methods used in orthopedics and traumatology can be diverse as follows:

1. Conservative treatment: Treatment without surgical intervention with methods such as medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation, exercises, and the use of special tools.
2. Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment of fractures, joint problems or other orthopedic problems.
3. Joint injections: Applications aim at reducing joint pain, such as steroid or hyaluronic acid injections into the joint.
4. Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Therapy programs for purposes such as strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, and reducing mobility limitations after injury or surgery.
5. Prostheses and orthoses: Use of prostheses (artificial) or supportive devices (for example, knee corset) specially designed for joint disorders or disabilities.
6. Osteotomy: A surgical procedure performed to correct bone deformities.
7. Arthroscopy: A surgical procedure performed through small incisions for the diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular problems.
8. Bone grafts and bone stimulation: Methods used to accelerate bone healing or treating bone loss.

The choice of these treatment methods varies depending on the patient’s condition, symptoms, and needs.

WHAT IS HEIGHT EXTENSION SURGERY?

Height extension surgery is a surgical procedure performed to increase a person’s height. This procedure aims to increase the length of the long bones (usually the femur and tibia). Typically, during surgery, the bone is cut and then space is created between the bone fragments using a device often called an external fixator. New bone tissue is encouraged to form in this space by the tensile or tensile force applied by the external device at regular intervals every day. With the formation of new bone tissue, the space between bone fragments gradually grows, resulting an increase in height. Post-operative rehabilitation is usually a long and careful process. When making decisions about this type of surgery, the patient’s general health condition, potential risks and postoperative expectations should be taken into account.

WHY IS HEIGHT HEIGHT EXTENSION SURGERY PERFORMED?

Severe short stature: If short stature negatively affects the person’s daily life or causes psychological discomfort, height extension surgery may be considered.

Congenital short stature: Due to some genetic or congenital disorders, a person’s height may be shorter than normal. In these cases, lengthening surgery may be one of the treatment options.

Short limb: If one limb is significantly shorter than the other, then lengthening surgery can be performed.

Post-traumatic short stature: Fractures in long bones after an accident or injury can affect bone growth and cause short stature. In these cases, lengthening surgery may be considered.

Short stature caused by substance use: Long-term use of corticosteroids or other drugs can negatively affect bone development and lead to short stature. In this case, lengthening surgery may be an option.

However, lengthening surgery is generally considered a last resort and is generally preferred in cases with serious psychological or physical effects. A detailed evaluation should be made before the surgery and a clear communication should be established with the patient about the risks.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HEIGHT EXTENSION SURGERY?

1. Limb lengthening Surgery: This surgery is performed to increase the length of long bones (usually femur or tibia). The bone is cut and a space is created between the bone fragments using a device an external fixator. This space is expanded by applying tension or pulling force at regular intervals to form new bone tissue.
2. Shortness correction surgeries: These are surgical interventions performed to correct shortness in bones with different lengths that occur congenitally or as a result of accidents. This type of surgery can be done by cutting out a shortened portion of the bones or adding additional bone grafts.
3. Internal lengthening devices: In some cases, lengthening devices are placed inside the bone during surgery. These devices can reduce or eliminate the use of external devices after surgery but often require more complex surgery.

Each of these types can be preferred depending on the person’s specific situation and needs. The type of surgery depends on the doctor assessing the patient’s condition and determining the most appropriate treatment plan.

HOW IS HEIGHT EXTENSION SURGERY PERFORMED?

• During the pre-operative period, a detailed evaluation is made between the patient and the surgeon. The patient’s medical history is examined, a physical examination is performed and necessary tests are performed. Additionally, the patient is informed about how the surgery will be performed and post-operative expectations.
• The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The bone is cut and a space is created between the bone fragments using a device usually an external fixator. New bone tissue is encouraged to form in this space by the tensile or tensile force applied by the external device at regular intervals every day.
• The post-operative recovery process is quite long and requires attention. The patient should attend regular check-ups and physical therapy sessions in the postoperative period. It is very important to use the external device correctly to form new bone tissue and increase height.
• After the bone healing process is completed, the external device (external fixator) is surgically removed. This usually happens several months after surgery.