Conditions and Procedures We Review

Neck and low-back operations have different targets. The review explores how the symptoms you report relate to the level, structure, and goal named in the proposed procedure.

Spine surgery guide

Start here when you are unsure which procedure family applies.

Cervical fusion, decompression, and disc surgery

Procedures on the neck portion of the spine, including ACDF and disc replacement.

Lumbar fusion

Joining one or more spinal levels to stabilize the area named in the recommendation.

Lumbar decompression

Laminectomy, laminotomy, or foraminotomy intended to create more room around a nerve structure.

Discectomy or microdiscectomy

Removing part of a disc at the level and side named in the surgical plan.

Nerve-pain mimics and sciatica-like symptoms

Musculoskeletal patterns that may resemble or coexist with nerve-root symptoms.

Conservative care first: For many spine problems, physical therapy, activity changes, and time are first-line options. We discuss whether those have had a fair, documented trial.

Shoulder pain and weakness may involve the rotator cuff, labrum, bursa, biceps tendon, or joint. The review separates each proposed target and explores how it relates to the symptoms and motions you report.

Shoulder surgery guide

Start here when one operation includes several shoulder procedures.

Rotator cuff repair

Surgery to reattach one or more rotator cuff tendons.

Labral repair or cleanup

Repairing labral tissue or trimming damaged tissue through debridement.

Impingement surgery, acromioplasty, and bursectomy

Procedures intended to create space or remove inflamed bursal tissue.

Conservative care first: Rotator cuff and labral problems often improve with targeted rehab. We discuss what has been tried and what recovery from surgery typically involves.

Elbow surgery is often recommended for persistent tendon problems or nerve compression. The review explores how the symptoms you report relate to the proposed procedure and prior care.

Elbow surgery

General term for operations around the elbow joint, tendons, and nerves.

Tennis / golfer's elbow surgery

Releasing or repairing the tendons on the outside or inside of the elbow.

Ulnar nerve surgery

Relieving pressure on the nerve at the inner elbow (cubital tunnel).

Conservative care first: Tendon and nerve problems at the elbow often respond to activity changes, bracing, and rehab. We discuss whether those steps have had enough time to work.

Hand and wrist surgery is common for nerve compression and tendon catching. The review organizes the symptoms and test results you provide with the proposed procedure.

Wrist surgery

General term for operations on the wrist joint and surrounding structures.

Carpal tunnel surgery

Releasing pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.

Conservative care first: Splinting, activity changes, and injections are common first steps. We discuss what has been tried, and what surgery would and would not fix.

Hip surgery may address the joint surface, labrum, bone shape, cartilage, or nearby tendons. The review organizes each target with the pain location, painful motions, function, and written report.

Hip replacement

Replacing a worn hip joint with an implant.

Hip labral repair or cleanup

Repairing labral tissue or trimming damaged labral and cartilage tissue.

Hip impingement surgery

Reshaping a cam or pincer prominence through femoroplasty or acetabuloplasty.

Conservative care first: For some hip conditions, weight management, activity changes, and rehab are reasonable first steps. We discuss how your situation compares with the recommendation.

Knee procedures address different structures and goals. The review explores how the reported pain, motion, function, prior care, and written imaging findings relate to the proposed operation.

Knee replacement

Total or partial replacement of the knee joint.

ACL reconstruction

Rebuilding a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Meniscus tear / debridement

Trimming or repairing torn knee cartilage.

Conservative care first: Research shows many meniscus and knee-wear problems respond to rehab. We discuss whether conservative care has had a fair trial.

Foot and ankle surgery is recommended for tendon, ligament, and structural problems. We help you understand how your symptoms fit the procedure and what recovery involves.

Ankle surgery

General term for operations on the ankle joint and ligaments.

Achilles tendon surgery

Repairing a torn or degenerated Achilles tendon.

Plantar fasciitis

Heel and arch pain; surgery is occasionally recommended after conservative care.

Conservative care first: Bracing, footwear changes, and rehab are common first steps for many foot and ankle problems. We discuss what has been tried.