The following describes orthopedic surgical procedures, particularly for children. For specific information regarding your child’s health and treatment options, please contact your Hurley physician or medical professional.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Our surgeons have extensive experience in arthroscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat joint injuries without making large incisions. For the patient, this means less pain and faster recovery times. Joints most frequently assessed and operated on using arthroscopic surgery include the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist. In some cases, or after certain types of injury, orthopedic surgery may be necessary for your child. Many orthopedic surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis at our clinic or at Hurley Medical Center.

Types of surgery performed include:

• Achilles tendon tear
• ACL and MCL injury
• Dislocated shoulder (AC injury)
• Fractures and sprains
• Jumper’s knee
• Labral tear
• Meniscus tear
• Rotator cuff tear
• Spine surgery
• Tennis elbow

Recovery Following Surgery

Recovery following any type of surgery is very much dependent upon the individual and the extent of the injury. While most surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis, your child can expect to be required to rest the affected bone or joint for a minimum of several weeks up to a month or two.

Immediately following surgery, your child will be given or prescribed appropriate pain medications and will be instructed to ice and elevate the joint. Your child’s surgeon will follow up with him/her to ensure that he/she is healing appropriately and to provide additional instructions based on his/her recovery. Eventually, your child will likely be given exercises that he/she can perform at home to strengthen the bone or joint before beginning a physical therapy and rehabilitation program (if necessary).