Complete Guide to Orthopaedic Care

Understanding Orthopaedic Health

Orthopaedics is a medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and spine. From everyday joint pain to complex trauma and tumours, orthopaedic care plays a vital role in restoring movement and independence.

With over 30 years of teaching and clinical experience, Dr. (Prof.) Pradip Kumar Baruah has dedicated his career to improving musculoskeletal health across Assam and the region.

Joint Preservation: Protecting Natural Joints

Joint preservation focuses on maintaining the natural joint structure and function for as long as possible, particularly in young and active individuals. The aim is to delay or completely avoid joint replacement surgery by addressing early joint degeneration.

Why Joint Preservation Is Important

• Preserves natural joint biomechanics
• Delays or prevents joint replacement surgery
• Reduces pain and improves mobility
• Enhances quality of life for active patients

Who Benefits Most

• Young adults with early osteoarthritis
• Patients with cartilage injuries
• Joint misalignment or deformity cases
• Athletes with recurring joint pain
• Early-stage avascular necrosis

Orthopaedic Oncology: Treating Bone Tumours

Orthopaedic Oncology deals with benign and malignant tumours affecting bones, joints, and soft tissues. These conditions require specialized expertise, advanced imaging, and multidisciplinary care.

Conditions Treated

• Primary bone tumours such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma
• Soft tissue sarcomas
• Benign bone tumours
• Metastatic bone disease
• Pathological fractures
• Pediatric orthopaedic tumours

Why Specialized Care Matters

• Limb-sparing and life-saving treatment
• Preservation of mobility and function
• Advanced reconstruction techniques
• Team-based cancer care approach

Joint Replacement: Restoring Mobility

Joint pain and stiffness can severely affect daily life. When conservative treatments fail, joint replacement surgery offers a reliable solution for long-term pain relief and restored movement.

When Is Joint Replacement Recommended?

• Severe joint pain affecting daily activities
• Failure of medications or physiotherapy
• Visible joint damage on imaging
• Loss of joint movement or deformity

Arthroscopy & Trauma Care

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows accurate diagnosis and treatment of joint conditions through small incisions. Trauma care focuses on timely and precise management of injuries to prevent long-term complications.

Common Joints Treated

• Knee
• Shoulder
• Hip
• Elbow
• Ankle
• Wrist

Limb Fractures and Their Management

Limb fractures are common injuries caused by falls, road accidents, sports injuries, or weakened bones. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for proper healing and restoration of function.

Common Causes

• Falls and accidents
• Road traffic injuries
• Sports-related trauma
• Direct impact injuries
• Osteoporosis or bone disease

Sports Injuries: Prevention and Care

Sports and physical activity promote health, but injuries can occur without proper conditioning. Early treatment and preventive care ensure safe return to activity.

Who Is at Risk?

• Athletes and gym-goers
• Children and adolescents
• Older adults resuming exercise
• Poor flexibility or fitness
• Lack of warm-up or stretching

The Role of Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications are often the first line of treatment and prevention for many orthopaedic conditions. Simple daily habit changes can significantly improve outcomes.

• Managing osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
• Reducing joint stress due to obesity
• Supporting post-surgical recovery
• Preventing sports-related injuries

Bracing and Casting in Orthopaedics

Bracing and casting are effective non-surgical methods to immobilize and support injured bones and joints during healing, reducing pain and preventing further damage.

• Immobilization of injured areas
• Pain and swelling reduction
• Protection during recovery
• Support for proper alignment