Prophylactic Procedures for Orthopedic Pathologies

Application of prophylactic procedures in orthopedic cases can reduce the patient’s morbidity and even mortality. Patients with developmental hip dysplasia can be treated simply in early ages, otherwise hip arthroplasty would be necessary in adulthood. In metastatic and/or primary bone tumors, prophylactic fixation of an upcoming fracture can significantly increase patients’ survival and comfort. In foot and ankle surgery, prophylactic surgery is suggested in limited cases. In diabetic patients, prophylactic exostectomy can be used to avoid upcoming foot ulcers, and secondly lesser metatarsal shortening can be applied to prevent transfer metatarsalgia after hallux valgus surgery. Prophylactic osteotomies also have a wide application in deformity correction, including osteoarthritis of the lower extremity.