What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Your musculoskeletal system is made up of your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Because these parts of your body are so important in everyday movement, it is common to experience pain in them.
Orthopedics is the medical specialty that treats these conditions. An orthopedic surgeon, also known as an orthopedist, is a doctor who specializes in this field. They can perform surgery, but they can also diagnose and treat problems using other methods.
Because orthopedics is such a broad field, most orthopedic doctors specialize in a specific type of orthopedics. Hand, foot, and sports injuries, for example, are some of the most common orthopedic specialties.
Orthopedists are medical specialists. Typically, an orthopedist is referred to you by your primary care physician.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
An orthopedic surgeon is qualified to diagnose orthopedic problems, perform or prescribe treatments, and provide rehabilitation assistance. They can also assist you in developing long-term treatment plans for illnesses, disorders, and problems with your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
This type of doctor can perform a wide range of procedures, including ankle, knee, hip, spinal, hand, and neck surgery. Typically, they will try to treat a problem in the most holistic and least invasive way possible, which may or may not include surgery.
Reasons to See an Orthopedic Surgeon
Most people visit an orthopedic doctor because they are experiencing pain in a joint, muscle, or bone – or any discomfort associated with movement. If your body hurts, is stiff, or is frequently swollen, or if you have an injury to your joints, bones, muscles, or ligaments, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon. If your range of motion is limited, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic doctors can assist you in regaining specific movement abilities.
If you have a serious injury, orthopedic surgeons can assist you in recovering and preventing further injuries. This is why athletes frequently consult with orthopedic surgeons. The following are examples of common injuries that an orthopedic surgeon may treat:
- Torn or broken (ruptured) ligaments
- Torn or broken tendons
- Broken bones that won’t heal with just a cast
- Spine or hip fractures from osteoporosis
You do not need to be injured to consult an orthopedic surgeon. Many people visit them because of chronic aches and pains or loss of mobility.
You may be experiencing these symptoms as a result of an old injury. They could evolve over time. If you are experiencing pain, it is critical that you consult with your doctor and keep them updated.
You may need to see an orthopedic surgeon for treatment of bone and soft-tissue (ligaments and tendons) issues caused by long-term illnesses such as:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Chronic muscle and joint pain
- Non-cancerous (benign) tumors
- Cancerous tumors that start in the bone (sarcomas)
- Cancerous tumors that spread to bone from somewhere else (metastatic)
- Blood cancers like multiple myeloma that can weaken bones
Your treatment plan may include surgery, medication, or physical therapy.
What to Expect at the Orthopedic Surgeon
When you first visit an orthopedic surgeon, you will be asked about your medical history and symptoms. Bring any medical records or previous testing documentation you may have.
Your doctor may administer a test or a series of tests to diagnose your condition. These tests may include X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging, depending on your symptoms (MRIs). Physical tests may also be included.
Your orthopedic surgeon may also diagnose you without performing any tests. They may simply ask you questions in this case to determine what is causing your problems.
Following a diagnosis, you and your doctor will discuss treatment options and determine what is best for you. This could be surgery, a cast, or both.
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