People who have severe pain with activities or at night or have lost the ability to work and perform routine activities may benefit from surgical treatment.
Orthopedic surgeons at The Hospital of Central Connecticut perform a variety of procedures – from rotator cuff repair to total joint replacement.
Arthroscopy
Most commonly used for knee and shoulder injuries. The surgeon makes two or more small incisions, inserting an arthroscope in one to view the joint, and surgical instruments in the other to remove the damaged tissue or cartilage causing irritation.
Osteotomy
The surgeon removes a small piece of bone near the affected joint. Though not a common procedure, it may be effective for younger people with arthritis because it might delay joint surgery for years.
Joint Replacement
A successful joint replacement may relieve pain and restore most movement. Damaged bone is removed from the joint and replaced with parts cemented to the healthy remaining bone.
Patients today benefit from great advances in surgical techniques, implant design as well as computer-assisted surgery. Surgeons use long-lasting joints placed with precision fit. Physicians consider the patient's lifestyle, age and gender when deciding which kind of implant to use.
Inpatient Unit
Our 12-bed inpatient general orthopedic and spine services unit cares for patients recovering from a variety of procedures.
Outpatient Surgery
About 3,000 orthopedic and podiatric surgical outpatient procedures are done annually at The Hospital of Central Connecticut. Some of the most common performed in our Ambulatory Surgery Unit are:
- Ligament and tendon reconstruction and ligament tear repair for arms, feet, ankles, hands, knees, and shoulders.
- Cartilage and meniscus tear repair.
- Arthroscopy for knees and shoulders.
- Procedures for hammer toe, bunions and fractures of the small bones in the feet.
- Minor hand procedures, including carpal tunnel repair and ganglion excisions.
The Ambulatory Surgery Unit provides a patient-centered surgical experience, from pre-procedure testing to our follow-up call the day after surgery. Just before the procedure the patient meets surgical team members, including the surgeon, a nurse anesthetist, anesthesiologist and surgical nursing staff.
During surgery, family members can wait in our comfortable waiting area that offers TV, Internet service, and refreshments. The surgeon will meet with family members there before they join the patient in the phase two recovery area, where follow-up care and recovery are discussed.