After a comprehensive evaluation of the disorder, the orthopaedist will make recommendations for a treatment plan, based on the following criteria:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease, injury, or condition
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease, injury, or condition
- your opinion or preference
For most orthopaedic disorders and injuries, there is more than one form of treatment that may be appropriate. Thus, many treatment plans involve a combination or progression of the following:
- rest
- medical counseling
- medication
- immobilization
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- rehabilitative therapy
- exercise
- activity modifications
- casts
- splints
- braces
- procedures, such as arthroscopy
- surgery, such as joint replacement
Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding treatment plans for many orthopaedic conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview.