What Is An Orthopedic Surgeon?

Orthopedics is a subspecialty of medicine that deals with the musculoskeletal system. It is an umbrella term for all of the fields related to the musculoskeletal system including orthopedics, sports medicine, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, and spine surgery. 

An orthopedic surgeon diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal disorders.

In most cases, orthopedic surgeons are general practitioners who take care of all patients with musculoskeletal complaints. 

However, there are a few specific situations where orthopedic surgeons specialize in particular aspects of the musculoskeletal system.

What Is The Main Job Of An Orthopedic Surgeon?

Orthopedic surgeons help patients with various musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions include injuries to the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves. Orthopedic surgeons can treat these conditions through surgery, physical therapy, injections, medication, and other methods.

They must have a bachelor’s degree in orthopedics to become an orthopedic surgeon. They must then complete three to five years of residency training and pass board certification exams before being allowed to practice medicine.

After completing residency, orthopedic surgeons can take a one-year fellowship to specialize in a particular area of orthopedics. They can choose to focus on hand surgery, sports medicine, spine surgery, joint replacement, trauma surgery, or reconstructive surgery.

Orthopedic surgeons like the Seattle Hand Surgery specialists are highly trained professionals who can help patients with musculoskeletal issues.

Related: Check out Orthopedic surgeon near me.

What conditions are treat by orthopedic surgeons?

Orthopedic surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves of the body. The goal of orthopedic surgery is to restore function to the affected joint. Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating orthopedic problems. These include sports injuries, back pain, car accidents, fractures, and diseases.

The main types of orthopedic surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeons are:

• Arthroscopic surgery
• Open surgery
• Injuries to the knees
• Treatment of broken bones
• Treatment of torn ligaments

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny cameras to see inside the joint. In this type of surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions in the skin and then inserts thin tubes called arthroscopes into these incisions. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to look at the problem without cutting open the joint.

Open surgery involves cutting the skin and underlying tissue to gain access to the joint. With this type of surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision in the skin and muscle to expose the joint. The surgeon then cuts the damaged joint to remove the loose bone fragments and then replaces the bone with a metal plate.

The most common orthopedic surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeons are:

• Broken leg or arm
• Broken collarbone
• Broken wrist
• Broken ankle
• Knee replacement
• Hip replacement

Types of Orthopedic surgery

Orthopaedic surgeries include a wide range of procedures to repair and reconstruct injuries and deformities of the bones. These surgeries may be performed for a variety of reasons including pain, deformity, trauma, sports injuries and congenital defects.

The type of orthopaedic surgery you need will depend on your age, overall health, the type of injury and your surgeon’s expertise.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It can lead to fractures and vertebral compression fractures. Osteoporosis can cause chronic pain, loss of height and deformity.

Treatment options may include medications, supplements, physical therapy, corrective braces and surgery.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

This condition occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of bones becomes damaged. It can result in pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of movement. Treatment options may include medication, injections, physical therapy, corrective braces and surgery.

Osteomyelitis

This infection is caused by bacteria that enters the bloodstream and spreads to the bone. Treatment options may include antibiotics and surgery.

Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a disease that affects the hip joint. It leads to collapse of the femoral head and can cause severe pain and deformity.

Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, corrective braces and surgery.

What is the difference between an orthopedic doctor and surgeon?

A surgeon is trained to perform surgery. An orthopedic doctor is trained to treat and diagnose injuries. Both doctors work together to treat patients with injuries.

The difference is that an orthopedic doctor treats musculoskeletal injuries and surgeons treat injuries to the internal organs. Both doctors work together to treat patients with injuries.