ORTHOPEDIC

Orthopaedic services provide diagnoses and treatment of injuries and illness affective movement and support apparatus, including rheumatological illnesses. The specialisation includes:

– Resolution of back and joint problems;

– Treatment of injuries;

– Sports medicine.

DIAGNOSTICS

Examinations that can be recommended by orthopaedic traumatologist:

X-rays provide doctors with comprehensive information about a person’s state of health. Oftentimes, an X-ray is the first examination recommended for a patient. The digital X-ray form is much gentler and makes it possible to reduce the radiation dose by 90%. An X-ray examination only makes it possible to ascertain the condition of the structure of joint bones. Therefore, additional examinations are recommended to achieve in-depth results (e.g. soft tissue visualisation).

Ultrasonography is used to visualise both internal organs and superficial body structures (muscles, tendons, thyroid gland, mammary gland, etc.). During an ultrasonography examination, a doctor can identify blood haemorrhages in ligaments, ligament structural problems, various growths, tears, haematomas and infections. The examination will help to assess the degree of infection, thus helping the doctor to set a precise treatment plan.

Magnetic resonance is one of the most precise and harmless visual diagnostic methods. During an examination, a magnetic field and radio waves are used to obtain high resolution three dimensional images of the cross-section images of a diverse range of organs and body parts.

Computed tomography is an examination method in which X-rays are used obtain images of the body’s structures. In order to improve the diagnostic options, a contrasting substance in computed tomography examinations. During the examination, about 1,000 organ cross-section images are obtained, which can be processed to produce 3D and 2D images.

MOST COMMON ORTHOPAEDIC OPERATIONS

Hip, knee, shoulder endoprosthetics or arthoplasty

Arthoplasty is most commonly performed on osteoarthritis patients. The object of the operation is to reduce pain and increase joint mobility. During the operation, damaged bone and joint bone cartilage are removed. The removed bone is replaced with a metal alloy, ceramic or polyethylene implant. In order to ensure precision, computer navigation is used during the operation. Arthroplasty could be a solution in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, as well as serious injuries and tumours.

Hip, knee, shoulder and ankle arthroscopy

An operation performed arthroscopically is significantly gentler than a loose operation. During an arthroscopy, two or three approximately 1 cm wide incisions are made in the body. A 4mm video camera objective is inserted into one of the incisions along with a very bright beam of light, which illuminates the dark joint pace. The video image is shown on a screen magnified several times over. The operation is conducted through the other incisions.

The recovery time is quite short and the scars after the operation are minor.

Knee ligament reconstruction

A torn ligament is one of the most serious injuries that can occur to the knee joint. If the ligaments are torn completely, the quicker an operation is performed, the greater the likelihood that it will possible to tie their ends together. As a result, recuperation after this operation is very short. Athletes can resume training in as little as a month. Currently, Dr. Visams Rafaels is the only surgeon in Latvia who performs cruciate ligament reconstruction. The operations performed have good results, which give people the chance to enjoy a full and active life and sports career after injury.

Lumbar micro discectomy

Removal of a spinal disc hernia can be performed in any part of the spine – cervical, thoracic or lumbar. The surgeon reaches the damaged disc by opening the lumbar canal. Various surgical instruments and approaches are available to perform this manipulation. Micro discectomy is a minimally invasive method in which a small skin cut is made using a microscope. Minimally invasive techniques ensure less tissue damage and can reduce recovery time. The object is to eradicate pain in the leg relation to a disc hernia.

Surgical correction of deformed foot bones

If a food deformity causes pain and movement problems, which cannot be reduced using non-surgical means, the patient may consider surgical intervention. One possibility is flat foot reconstruction surgery, when a special screw is implanted between foot bones during the operation. This subsequently ensures the correct curvature of the foot arch. Surgery on the forefront bone or Hallux valgus treats a bone infection. If the deformity becomes so distinct and makes it difficult to wear shoes, and the bone is regularly painful and infected, the solution is surgery. The objective of the operation is to straighten the forefront bone and restore the required tension in the loose tendons and ligaments.

Hyaluronic acid injections

Injections cover damaged tissue with a protective film. Hyaluronic acid serves as a lubricant, because it reduces bone friction, and at the same time induces positive changes in the joint. Hyaluronic acid is also known as the “liquid implant”, because it reduces pain, swelling and stiffness. Although, usually, the impact of the injection is not immediate, it lasts for quite a long time – up to six months.  For a durable effect, the injection must be repeated once a year.