Orthopedics & Spine
Orthopedics and spine care treat conditions of the bones, joints, spine, muscles, ligaments and tendons — from arthritis and sports injuries to fractures, scoliosis and herniated discs. Treatment ranges from physical therapy and injections to joint replacement, arthroscopic keyhole surgery and spinal surgery, with rehabilitation central to restoring movement.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Musculoskeletal problems are among the most common reasons people seek medical care, affecting mobility, work and quality of life. They range from wear-and-tear arthritis that gradually stiffens a hip or knee, to acute sports injuries of the ligaments and cartilage, to spinal conditions that compress nerves and cause pain or weakness.
Many orthopedic problems respond well to non-surgical care — physical therapy, targeted injections and activity modification. When surgery is needed, modern techniques such as joint replacement, arthroscopy and minimally invasive spinal surgery aim to relieve pain and restore function, with structured rehabilitation to speed recovery.
For patients travelling for joint or spine surgery, the expected hospital stay and rehabilitation plan matter as much as the operation itself. Sending imaging for review beforehand clarifies whether surgery is the right choice and what recovery will involve.
Common conditions we treat
Sports injuries
Damage to ligaments, cartilage or tendons — such as ACL or meniscus tears — often repaired arthroscopically.
Fractures & trauma
Broken bones from injury, treated by immobilization or surgical fixation to restore alignment and stability.
Rotator cuff & shoulder disorders
Tears and impingement that cause shoulder pain and weakness, managed with therapy or arthroscopic repair.
Symptoms
- Joint pain, stiffness or swelling
- Reduced range of motion in a joint
- Back or neck pain, with or without radiating leg or arm pain
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in a limb
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or bearing weight
- Joint instability or a sensation of 'giving way'
- Pain that worsens with activity or at night
- Visible deformity or curvature of the spine
When to seek care
Seek urgent care for a suspected fracture, a joint that cannot bear weight, sudden loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain, or new severe weakness or numbness in a limb — these may signal serious nerve or bone injury.
How we diagnose
- X-ray of the affected joint or spine
- MRI for soft tissue, cartilage and nerves
- CT scan for detailed bone assessment
- Diagnostic and therapeutic joint injections
- Bone density (DEXA) scan
- Physical examination and gait analysis
How we treat it
Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis. Explore the procedures we offer for this area:
Where you'll be treated
Care for this area is led by our Spine Center & Orthopedics.
Learn more
Plain-language, provider-reviewed articles on tests, procedures and symptoms in our Health Library.
Orthopedics & Spine — frequently asked questions
Joint replacement is usually considered when arthritis causes persistent pain and stiffness that limit daily life and no longer respond to medication, physical therapy or injections. The decision depends on your symptoms, how much the joint is affected on imaging, and your overall health and activity goals.
Most patients are walking with support within a day or two and leave hospital after several days. Fuller recovery, with rehabilitation, typically takes several weeks to a few months. Your coordinator explains the expected hospital stay, time abroad and rehabilitation plan before you travel.
No. The majority of herniated discs improve with conservative treatment — rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and time. Surgery is generally reserved for persistent severe pain, progressive weakness or significant nerve compression that does not respond to non-surgical care.
Arthroscopy is minimally invasive keyhole surgery in which a small camera and instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to diagnose and repair problems inside a joint, such as torn cartilage or ligaments. It usually allows a faster recovery than open surgery.
Yes. By sharing your X-rays, MRI and reports, specialists can give an independent opinion on whether surgery is needed, which procedure is appropriate and what non-surgical alternatives exist — before you commit to travel.
Regular conditioning, proper warm-up and technique, suitable footwear and avoiding sudden increases in activity all help reduce injury risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and muscle strength also protects the joints and spine over the long term.
Related areas of care
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