Best Orthopaedic Hospital 
in Chennai

Yes. They are different. An orthopaedic doctor is trained in diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including conditions like arthritis, muscle strains, fractures, and more. While some orthopaedic doctors focus on non-surgical treatment options, orthopaedic surgeons are qualified to perform surgeries on joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Many surgeons are adept in advanced minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries, offering both non-surgical and surgical treatments to alleviate and manage musculoskeletal issues.

An orthopaedic doctor may utilise various medical imaging techniques to diagnose conditions. Commonly used tests include X-rays, ultrasound, MRIs, and CT scans. The specific test chosen depends on the particular condition the doctor needs to identify and diagnose.

No. A fracture refers to a break in the bone, whereas a sprain involves an injury to the ligaments that connect bones.

For injuries, the general rule is to use ice during the acute stage (within the first 24 to 48 hours) or when swelling is present. Ice helps reduce inflammation and swelling by decreasing blood flow to the injured area. Apply ice indirectly to avoid direct skin contact for 20 minutes, then remove for at least 20 minutes and repeat as needed.

Once inflammation and swelling have subsided, heat can be applied to increase blood flow and promote pain relief. Heat is also beneficial for warming up muscles prior to exercise, physical activities, or physical therapy.

Post-surgery stitch removal is carried out in 2 weeks. Some exceptional situations may rarely demand stitch removal to be withheld until week 3. In the meantime, a maximum of two inspections of the surgical wound will be required between the date of surgery and stitch removal. If you wish to, you could opt for our home care facility wherein trained personnel from Sri Balaji Hospital, well versed in handling joint surgery dressings, can be assigned for home visits to do the dressings and wound care at the comfort of your own home (on days as advised and coordinated by our surgical consultant in charge) with no fuss or hassle of arranging transport or any other dressing instruments. If you would like the dressing to be done at the hospital itself, the days and times of your visits.

Recovery duration varies based on several factors, including the patient's overall health before injury or surgery, age, and the type of surgical procedure performed. Patients undergoing minimally invasive orthopaedic surgeries typically experience a quicker recovery, especially when adhering to prescribed physical therapy and rehabilitation protocols.

Orthopaedic surgeons, while highly skilled in surgical procedures, are equally proficient in the latest non-surgical treatments. They are adept at employing methods such as ultrasound-guided steroid injections, which provide substantial and lasting pain relief in affected joints. Before recommending surgery, orthopaedic doctors thoroughly evaluate all nonsurgical options to ensure the most effective treatment plan is chosen for each patient.

Orthopaedic surgery, like any surgical intervention, carries potential risks, including bleeding, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, infection, nerve damage, and stiffness. Your physician will discuss the specific risks related to your surgery with you to ensure you are thoroughly informed before proceeding.