Orthopedic FAQ
- What are Flathead Orthopedics’ specialties?
- What is orthopedic sports medicine?
- What is arthroscopy?
- When is minimally invasive surgery recommended?
- What is computer-assisted surgery?
1. What are Flathead Orthopedics’ specialties?
The team at Flathead Orthopedics specializes in treating the range of both general and sports-related orthopedic conditions. Modern diagnostic and treatment techniques, including arthroscopy and computer-assisted surgery, are emphasized, enabling faster recovery times and increased rehabilitation success. In addition to shoulder, hip, and knee care, areas of sub-specialty include spine, hand, foot, and ankle repair. Based on each patient’s unique injury and lifestyle needs, recommendations will be made for comprehensive correction, recovery, and care.
2. What is orthopedic sports medicine?
Orthopedic sports medicine focuses on the treatment of athletes or other individuals suffering from sports-related injuries. Frequently addressed conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Meniscal tears
- Ligament tears
- Stress fractures
- Tennis elbow
- Muscle strain
Treatment approaches focus on alleviating and correcting damage, as well as preventing ongoing degeneration or re-injury. In many cases, the team at Flathead Orthopedics will provide recommendations for behavior modification, including adjustments to workout type, intensity, and duration.
3. What is arthroscopy?
A minimally invasive procedure, arthroscopy is used to treat a range of orthopedic ailments, such as cartilage and ACL tears. In addition, these techniques are being increasingly used for the completion of both partial and total joint replacement procedures.
During an arthroscopic procedure, a small camera is used to view the joint’s interior, broadcasting a live feed to a monitor within the operating room. Based on the damage observed, the surgical team will insert small tools through secondary incisions, facilitating successful diagnosis and/or injury correction.
4. When is minimally invasive surgery recommended?
Whenever possible, minimally invasive surgery, rather than traditional open surgery, will be recommended for the treatment of orthopedic conditions.
Typically, this approach is most appropriate for younger and/or healthier patients, as well as those suffering from less comprehensive joint damage. Other factors influencing the use of minimally invasive approaches are body weight, bone structure, and musculature.
Due to the minimized amount of cutting involved, frequently reported benefits (in comparison to traditional open surgery) include:
- Reduced blood loss during surgery
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery times
- Reduced post-op pain and discomfort
5. What is computer-assisted surgery?
Computer-assisted surgery is an advanced approach to both operation planning and completion for partial and total joint replacement surgeries. Data is used to determine appropriate implant size and placement, minimizing the risks for improper fit or post-op discomfort.
In most cases, a computer model of the joint will be generated a few weeks before surgery, and used to create a custom prosthetic component. The heightened visualization provided during a computer-assisted surgery is especially beneficial when applied in conjunction with minimally invasive techniques, such as arthroscopy.
To learn more about the specialties and treatments of Flathead Orthopedics, contact either the Kalispell, MT office at (406) 752-7900,
or the Whitefish, MT office at (406) 862-8045.
Last Modified: November 9, 2011