Orthopedic care
Orthopedists are doctors who take care of the entire musculoskeletal system. They diagnose and treat conditions such sprains, strains, broken bones, arthritis and osteoporosis. Some of the treatments they offer include recommending lifestyle changes, applying casts and performing surgeries, such as ligament repairs or total joint replacements.
Orthopedic specialists in Charleston, South Carolina
We are committed to reducing your pain and increasing your range of motion.
Whenever possible, our specialists at Trident Health build nonsurgical treatment plans, incorporating physical therapy to help you feel better and stronger. If surgery is needed, our orthopedic surgeons use advanced technology and leading-edge techniques.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Our physicians, as well as therapists, have the technology needed to reduce recovery times and get you back to your favorite activities at an appropriate level as soon as possible.
Orthopedic conditions we treat
Orthopedic care is the treatment of conditions and injuries affecting the bones, joints, tendons and muscles. Our orthopedic specialists have experience treating issues that affect the entire musculoskeletal system, from your neck to your toes.
Whenever possible, our orthopedic doctors start with a nonsurgical treatment plan, incorporating physical therapy, to reduce pain and restore movement. When surgery is needed, you can trust your health to Trident Health's skilled orthopedic surgeons.
Our surgeons use advanced technology in the form of small viewing scopes and surgical instruments, transforming the way that orthopedic surgery is performed compared to the past when most orthopedic surgical procedures required large incisions, lengthy hospital stays and weeks of recovery.
Back and neck pain
Back and neck pain usually is the result of a muscle strain or a soft tissue injury. If your pain does not get better in 72 hours, though, you should consult a physician. Sometimes physical therapy can help alleviate pain; other times, surgery may be warranted.
Our team is experienced in treating many types of spine conditions that cause problems with the back and neck.
Hand and upper extremity care
Many injuries and conditions can affect the hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder. Symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness, swelling or tingling. Problems with the upper extremities include:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Deformations
- Fractures and dislocations
- Ligament injuries
- Nerve damage
- Rotator cuff damage
- Tendon damage
- Tendonitis
- Tumors
Foot and ankle care
Foot and ankle problems can cause pain and limit your mobility. Common causes of these problems include:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Bunion
- Cartilage and ligament damage
- Deformities
- Flat feet
- Fractures
- High arches
- Injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendonitis (inflammation of the cord attaching muscle to bone)
Our specialists also help with limb preservation for patients who are in danger of facing amputation due to chronic disease such as diabetes.
Comprehensive joint replacement services
Trident health promotes high-quality, cost-efficient and effectively-coordinated care for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.
We actively work with physicians and post-acute care providers to improve your overall patient experience, from pre-operative care to initial hospitalization through recovery. Our joint replacement team includes:
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Case managers
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Specialized nurses and patient care techs
Relief through a hip or knee replacement
Your joints are lined with cartilage—a layer of smooth, tough tissue that cushions the bones. Cartilage wears away with age, stress and use. When this happens, the bones rub against each other, resulting in pain, swelling and other issues. Conditions such as arthritis may also cause significant discomfort and limit your physical activity. Thankfully, most of these symptoms can be relieved through joint replacement surgery.
Knee replacement
When a knee is severely damaged by disease or injury, patients may have to consider an artificial knee replacement. During knee replacement surgery, joint surfaces are substituted or replaced by a prosthesis.
Hip replacement
Total hip replacement surgery replaces the upper end of the thighbone (femur) with a metal ball. It resurfaces the hip socket in the pelvic bone with a metal shell and plastic liner. This surgery may be considered following a hip fracture (breaking of the bone) or for a person who has severe arthritis.
Your doctor may recommend joint surgery that uses minimally-invasive robotic-assisted technology, which provides precise control, enabling orthopedic surgeons to perform procedures more accurately and with smaller incisions.
Shoulder replacement
When arthritis or an injury has damaged or destroyed the shoulder joint it may be replaced with a metal ball and plastic socket. Although there are many different types of shoulder replacements, the main focus remains on the bone’s damaged surface being replaced.,
The surgical procedure is generally considered more challenging and complex compared to other joint replacement procedures. However, with a successful procedure many patients are able to return to many of the activities they participated in prior to the injury to the joint. At Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center we offer two types of shoulder surgery:
- Total shoulder replacement
- Partial (hemi) shoulder replacement
After shoulder replacement surgery
Rehabilitation for shoulder surgery starts soon after the operation. Most surgeons will not allow the patient to use the shoulder muscle for several weeks after surgery. The main goal of rehab it to allow the patient to move their shoulder as far as possible so it is easier for the patient to do activities of daily living and recreation.
Preparing for joint replacement surgery
During a preoperative ("pre-op") visit to the hospital, you may complete blood work and other. You will meet with members of your care team who will provide information regarding:
- How to prepare for surgery
- Medications
- Pre-op nutrition
- Infection prevention
- Alcohol and smoking cessation
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
Joint education classes
Before your hip or knee joint replacement surgery, you will learn about your specific procedure and rehabilitation through a free education class. Your doctor will have already talked with you about the benefits of the class and confirmed your participation before scheduling it for you. We will discuss the risk factors associated with joint replacement surgery and the steps we take to minimize these risks. Members from your care team, which may include nursing and physical therapy, will discuss what you can expect before and after surgery. You will have a chance to ask questions specific to your needs and goals.
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