Orthopedic Procedures: Common Surgeries, Recovery, and What to Expect

When your joints, bones, or muscles stop working right, orthopedic procedures, surgical or non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. Also known as bone and joint surgery, these interventions are designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and get you back on your feet. Whether it’s a torn tendon, worn-out knee, or damaged spine, orthopedic procedures are often the solution when rest and physical therapy aren’t enough.

Not all orthopedic surgeries are the same. rotator cuff repair, a common surgery to fix torn shoulder tendons ranks as the fifth most performed orthopedic procedure in India, mostly because of repetitive strain and aging. Then there’s joint replacement, where damaged hips or knees are swapped out with artificial parts—a life-changing fix for people with severe arthritis. And for those with chronic back pain, spinal fusion, a complex surgery that joins two or more vertebrae to stop painful movement can take up to 18 months to fully heal. These aren’t just medical terms—they’re real experiences for millions.

Recovery isn’t just about waiting for stitches to heal. It’s about rebuilding strength, learning new ways to move, and adjusting your daily life. After a knee replacement, you can’t shower normally for weeks. After spinal fusion, you might need help with simple tasks for months. Even a routine rotator cuff repair demands months of physical therapy. The biggest mistake people make? Thinking surgery is the end of the journey. It’s just the beginning.

Who needs these procedures? It’s not just older adults. Athletes tear ligaments. Office workers develop chronic shoulder pain. Even young people with sports injuries end up needing orthopedic fixes. And while some conditions can be managed without surgery, others—like a completely torn ACL or a collapsed disc—won’t heal on their own. The key is knowing when to push for help and when to wait.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of surgeries. It’s real talk about what happens before, during, and after. You’ll see who should avoid knee replacements, how long recovery really takes, and why some people heal faster than others. There’s no fluff here—just clear, practical info based on what doctors and patients actually experience in India’s healthcare system.