Innovative Treatment Approaches for Musculoskeletal Diseases

A healthy musculoskeletal system is essential for maintaining a healthy and active life. Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common health problems today and can affect people of all ages. Any problem in this system can directly impact our mobility and quality of life. Therefore, early diagnosis and effective treatment of these conditions are important. 

Common Orthopedic Conditions 

Musculoskeletal disorders can affect any of the tissues that make up this system. The most common of these disorders is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, a joint disease characterized by wear and tear of articular cartilage, is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It causes symptoms such as pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and swelling in the joint. Fractures caused by trauma or accidents are also common. Hip fractures from falls are common in the elderly. The cartilage discs called meniscus in the knee joint can tear, or the anterior cruciate ligaments in the knees can tear or rupture, especially in athletes and the elderly. Factors such as heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, and improper movements cause the discs in the spine to shift and compress the nerves, leading to herniated disc disease.  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. It can affect many joints, particularly the hip. It causes pain, swelling, and limited movement in the joints. Sometimes bone tissue begins to die due to decreased or stopped blood flow to the bone tissue. This condition, called osteonecrosis, causes severe pain and limited movement. It is most common in the hip. A condition called calcification often occurs as a result of wear of the cartilage in the joints and narrowing of the joint space. Diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders requires consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. The orthopedic surgeon will ask about your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. If necessary, he or she may also order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT. 

Treatment For Orthopedic Conditions

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Medications can often be used to reduce pain and inflammation. These medications may include a variety of drugs, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or steroids. Exercise may be recommended.  Physical therapy may be used to strengthen muscles, increase joint range of motion, and reduce pain. Surgery may be necessary in cases that do not respond to these treatments or in cases where the disease has serious consequences. The most appropriate treatment option for each patient depends on the characteristics of the disease, the patient’s health, and the patient’s response to treatment. Some common surgical solutions are:

Prosthetic Surgery

Hip replacement surgeries are surgical procedures that replace damaged or degenerative tissue in the hip joint with a prosthesis. Knee replacement surgeries are surgical procedures that replace damaged or degenerative tissue in the knee joint with a prosthesis. Replacement surgeries are performed to help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life by eliminating problems such as limited mobility and loss of joint function.

Intra-articular Surgery

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that removes damaged tissue from the joint and reshapes the joint surfaces. Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure to repair torn cartilage structures called menisci within the knee joint. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction aims to reconstruct or repair the torn or damaged anterior cruciate ligament in the knee joint.

Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is the general term for surgical procedures designed to correct structural problems in the spine or to relieve compression of spinal nerves. These procedures are used to treat conditions such as back or neck pain, pinched nerves, and scoliosis.

Discectomy is the process of partially or completely removing or reducing the contents of a disc in the lumbar spine for conditions such as herniated discs. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that joins segments of the spine and fuses the bones. This procedure is used to treat conditions such as spinal instability, spinal fractures, or spinal curvature.

Muscle and Tendon Repairs

Muscle and tendon repair is a surgical procedure to repair torn or injured muscles and tendons. It is used to restore joint stability.

Physical Therapy May Be Recommended After Surgery

Patients who have lost mobility for a long period, and patients who want to return to health as quickly and comfortably as possible after surgery, may require physical therapy to assist in their recovery after surgery. Traditional physical therapy is an important treatment method that helps patients regain mobility and strength. Today, however, with the advancement of technology, robotic physical therapy applications are becoming more common. These applications can make the treatment process more effective and comfortable for patients.

Robotic-Assisted Rehabilitation

Robotic exercise devices, used specifically in the rehabilitation process, are equipped with specialized sensors and software to increase the patient’s mobility and regain muscle strength. These devices analyze the patient’s movements and provide feedback to help the patient achieve more effective results. Robotic rehabilitation facilitates the physical therapy process by reducing the patient’s burden and assisting with movement. It can be particularly effective in rehabilitation following spine or joint surgery. In addition, virtual reality technology added to these devices creates a motivating physical therapy environment and makes the rehabilitation process more enjoyable. The patient can gain strength and flexibility by performing various exercises in a virtual environment.

These FDA-approved robotic devices are used in Acıbadem Hospitals to make the treatment process more effective and comfortable for patients. Each device is carefully managed by specialized physicians and medical staff, and customized treatment plans are created according to the patient’s needs.

ACIBADEM, The Right Choice

Acıbadem Health Group stands out with its innovative robotic rehabilitation options for orthopedic surgery and its aftermath. Before the surgery, a detailed evaluation is performed by specialized doctors and technological facilities, and the most appropriate treatment plan is determined. During surgery, safe and effective procedures are performed using the latest technological equipment. In the postoperative period, robotic rehabilitation options accelerate the patient’s healing process, increase muscle strength, and support functional recovery. Using robotic devices such as the LOKOMAT, patients regain mobility and optimal results are achieved with physiotherapy programs tailored to individual needs. Acıbadem Health Group provides safe, effective, and personalized healthcare services to its patients with its expert staff, modern facilities, and robotic rehabilitation equipment.