Orthopedic Surgery

WMCHealth’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery provides advanced care and surgical treatments for musculoskeletal disorders, including foot and ankle surgery and joint replacement. As the only academic medical center in the region, we have access to the latest developments in technologies and research. Our team aims to provide patients with optimal care and shorter recovery times. 

Your doctor and orthopedist will help guide you in determining whether surgery is the best option.

Types of Orthopedic Surgery

The orthopedic surgery specialists at WMCHealth provide comprehensive musculoskeletal services, including:

• Foot and ankle surgery: We treat a full range of foot and ankle disorders including ankle cartilage restoration, ankle replacements, fractures, and sports injuries.
• Hand and upper extremity surgery:  Westchester Medical Center is the only hand replant center between Albany and New York City. Our hand surgeons treat a full range of conditions such as limb salvage, carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes and other nerve disorders, shoulder reconstruction, sports injuries, and upper extremity trauma.
• Joint replacements: Some conditions may merit total joint replacement. Joints that are commonly replaced are knees and hips, although ankles, fingers and other joints may also be affected
•  Arthritis surgery: Severe cases of arthritis sometimes require orthopedic surgery to alleviate pain and swelling. These procedures can bring relief through a variety of techniques including total joint replacement, removal of damaged or diseased joint lining, joint fusion and joint realignment.
• Musculoskeletal oncology: Our multidisciplinary team treats benign and malignant bone and soft-tissue disorders including bone and soft-tissue sarcomas, metastatic disease to bone, and pathologic fractures.
• Orthopedic trauma repair procedures: As the Level 1 Trauma Center for the Hudson Valley region, we specialize in surgical treatment and intervention for severe musculoskeletal injuries such as complex fractures, crush injuries and spinal trauma.
• Spine and scoliosis surgery: Scoliosis is a disfigurement of the spine which may be caused by disease or injury. We provide interventional surgery for severe scoliosis not treatable with braces.
• Sports medicine and arthroscopy: WMCHealth houses a division of sports medicine specialists, and we have one of only a few hospitals performing multi-ligament reconstructive services. Arthroscopy involves the use of a small camera to view, diagnose and treat joint problems with minimal pain and scarring.

Why Choose WMCHealth?

The orthopedic surgeons at WMCHealth use minimally invasive leading-edge procedures that reduce risk of complications with faster recovery times and less pain and scarring.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to view the inside of the hip, knee, or shoulder joint. The procedure allows doctors to treat and diagnose various joint problems. New arthroscopy techniques and equipment enable surgeons to address many issues that were not manageable just a few years ago. 

During arthroscopy, a very small camera is used to see inside the joint. The camera displays the images on a monitor as the doctor maneuvers the device. Then, surgeons use other equipment to treat the area.

What to Expect During Surgery and Recovery

What will occur during your surgery and your recovery process depends on the procedure you need. Some procedures are more complex and extensive than others. You may only stay in the hospital for a few hours, or you may need to stay for overnight observation.

Once you leave the hospital, you will have specific instructions on caring for the incision and how to safely perform daily activities. You will need rest after your procedure, so having a family member or friend stay with you until you can return to normal activities may be beneficial.