Determining when orthopaedic surgery is the right decision
Pain that inhibits function, quality of life, is a major consideration, says UCI Health surgeon
IN THE NEWS: Many orthopaedic conditions can be treated conservatively, but in certain circumstances surgery can be the best option to reduce pain and prevent further damage.
Dr. Naudereh Noori, a board-certified surgeon at UCI Health Orthopaedic Surgery Services, recently told Becker’s Spine Review that the decision to proceed with surgery is always individualized and made through a shared patient and physician decision-making process.
“If pain continues to significantly limit a patient’s daily activities, function or overall quality of life, surgery may be the best option to relieve pain, restore function and help them return to the activities that are important to them. We carefully discuss the expected benefits, potential risks, recovery process and the patient’s personal goals so they can make an informed decision that aligns with their needs and preferences.”
Noori says that surgery is considered when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, supportive footwear and activity modification have not provided enough relief.
She says some conditions may benefit from earlier surgery, such as certain fractures or tendon injuries, because delaying treatment could lead to a poorer outcome.
Noori is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at UCI Health who specializes in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of foot and ankle problems. She has expertise in total ankle joint replacement, reconstructive surgery, arthroscopic surgery, foot and ankle sports injuries, minimally-invasive surgery, trauma and arthritis. As an assistant clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery, Noori is passionate about developing new techniques to improve outcomes tailored to individual patient needs. She has extensive scientific research experience in cartilage tissue engineering as well as conducting clinical studies.
About UCI Health
UCI Health is one of California’s largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health — Orange, UCI Health — Irvine, its newest facility, UCI Health — Irvine Rehabilitation Hospital, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties. As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education. Follow UCI Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.