Reconstructive Surgery in Pearland, TX

What Is Reconstructive Surgery?

Reconstructive surgery is a subspecialty of orthopedic surgery that repairs or rebuilds joints, bones, and soft tissue damaged by disease or structural abnormalities.

Unlike minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures, reconstructive surgery is usually used to repair or rebuild damaged joint structures where more extensive correction is required. The purpose of reconstructive surgery is to re-establish alignment and the range of motion for long-term recovery.

Conditions Treated with Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is usually recommended when the damage to a joint, bone, or surrounding tissue is too extensive to be corrected with non-surgical treatment or less invasive procedures. Common conditions that may require reconstruction include:

• Trauma and Fractures: Complex fractures or injuries to the joints from accidents or sports injuries may require surgery to realign and stabilize the injury for proper healing. Improperly healed fractures can cause long-term pain, instability, and loss of function that can only be corrected with surgery.
• Advanced Arthritis: When osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis has caused severe deterioration of the joint surface, reconstruction can restore alignment and function where conservative treatments are no longer effective.
• Congenital Joint Defects: Structural abnormalities present from birth can affect how a joint moves and bears weight. Reconstructive surgery can correct these deformities and prevent further deterioration over time.
• Failed Prior Surgeries: Patients who have had previous orthopedic procedures that didn’t achieve the desired outcome. It can be due to complications, implant failure, or incomplete healing. Patients may benefit from revision reconstructive surgery to correct what was left unresolved.

Are You a Candidate?

You may be eligible for the surgery if you’re experiencing:

• Improperly healed fractures or fractures that are not healing properly, resulting in joint instability
• Pain and stiffness of the joints due to degeneration and a lack of response to other treatment methods
• Deformations of the joints and problems with mobility
• Loosening of the implant or failure of the implant
• Inability to perform normal activities due to dysfunctional joints

If any of these apply to you, the next step is a full evaluation. Dr. Burke does a full work-up, including physical examination, X-ray, MRI, and CT scan, before making any decisions. Surgery is always considered carefully and only recommended when it offers a meaningful advantage over non-surgical alternatives.

What the Procedure Involves

Reconstructive surgery is not a single, fixed procedure; it is a category of surgical care that Dr. Burke customizes to the patient’s individual condition and anatomy. Depending on the needs of the joint, the procedure may involve one or a combination of the following:

• Joint realignment procedures help correct abnormal alignment, improve movement, and reduce excessive stress on surrounding structures. It also minimizes the associated pain and wearing effects.
• Ligament and tendon reconstruction addresses damaged soft tissues that play an important role in joint stability. Reconstructing these tissues by using graft materials can help improve joint stability.
• The use of bone grafts is related to the utilization of healthy graft materials to replace damaged bones. This process helps support joint reconstruction and healing.

Dr. Burke uses FDA-approved implants and surgical materials tested for durability, safety, and long-term performance.

Every procedure is planned with precision using advanced diagnostic imaging to ensure the surgical approach is matched to what that particular patient’s joint actually needs.

What to Expect During Recovery

Healing following reconstruction surgery will differ based on the complexity of the procedure, but most patients experience a standard progression:

• For the first one to two weeks, the primary objectives are to rest and protect the joint. Many patients start gentle physical therapy within the first few days or weeks, depending on the procedure performed.
• Between three and six weeks, mobility and strength gradually increase as the joint stabilizes, and swelling continues to go down.
• By three to six months, many patients have regained significant strength and function, though recovery timelines vary.

Dr. Burke collaborates with physical therapists at every stage to track each patient’s rehab progress and to modify each patient’s plan as they recover.

Risks of the Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is commonly performed and generally considered safe when carried out by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Like any other surgery, there are certain risks involved, which include infections, blood clots, temporary nerve irritation, or problems with the implant.

Dr. Burke discusses all possible risks and expected results before surgery to help ensure patients are informed in their decision-making.

Why Choose Dr. Burke for Reconstructive Surgery in Pearland

Dr. Burke is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and holds subspecialty certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. With over 35 years of experience, more than 27,000 procedures performed, and over 148,000 patients treated, he brings a level of expertise to complex joint reconstruction that patients across the Houston area have come to rely on.

His approach is patient-first from the initial consultation through the final stages of rehabilitation, with no rushing and no unnecessary procedures. Same-day appointments are available for patients who need prompt evaluation.