What is Orthopaedic Surgeon ?

Orthopedic surgeons are committed professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a diverse range of disorders related to the musculoskeletal system. This encompasses a thorough understanding and expertise in addressing issues with bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Within the field of orthopedics, practitioners may choose to become generalists, providing comprehensive care across various musculoskeletal conditions, or they may opt to specialize in specific anatomical regions.   

Some common areas of specialization include:

Hip and Knee – Orthopedic surgeons focusing on the hip and knee specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions such as arthritis, fractures, and ligament injuries affecting these crucial weight-bearing joints.

Foot and Ankle – Specialists in this area concentrate on conditions affecting the feet and ankles, including fractures, deformities, and issues related to tendons and ligaments.

Shoulder and Elbow – Orthopedists specializing in the shoulder and elbow are experts in treating conditions like rotator cuff injuries, shoulder instability, and various elbow disorders.

Hand – Hand specialists within orthopedics are skilled in managing conditions involving the hand, wrist, and forearm, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, and tendon injuries.

Spine – Orthopedic spine surgeons focus on disorders of the spine, addressing issues such as herniated discs, spinal deformities, and degenerative spine conditions.

What types of medical conditions does an orthopedic surgeon address and treat?

Orthopedic surgeons employ a comprehensive approach to patient care, beginning with an exploration of nonsurgical alternatives, such as pain management and rehabilitation. Their expertise extends beyond surgical interventions, encompassing a range of musculoskeletal conditions. While commonly recognized for treating fractures and performing joint replacements, orthopedic surgeons also play a crucial role in addressing various health issues.

Musculoskeletal pain, a prevalent reason for medical consultations, prompts individuals to seek the expertise of orthopedic surgeons. These specialists are equipped to handle a diverse array of conditions, including but not limited to:

Sports Injuries – Orthopedic surgeons are skilled in managing injuries resulting from athletic activities, ensuring effective rehabilitation and recovery.

Spinal Issues – Back pain, ruptured disks, and spinal stenosis fall within the purview of orthopedic care, where surgeons employ both surgical and non-surgical approaches.

Bone Tumors – Diagnosis and treatment of bone tumors are carried out by orthopedic surgeons, who employ advanced techniques for optimal outcomes.

Hand Conditions- From carpal tunnel syndrome to hand arthritis and injuries, orthopedic surgeons address a spectrum of hand-related issues, employing both surgical and conservative treatments.

Pediatric Orthopedics – Conditions such as clubfoot, bow legs, and hip dysplasia in children are managed by orthopedic surgeons with expertise in pediatric orthopedics.

Trauma – Orthopedic trauma involves the treatment of injuries to the musculoskeletal system resulting from accidents or falls, requiring specialized surgical interventions.

Limb Lengthening – Surgical procedures to address limb length disparities are within the realm of orthopedic expertise.

Foot and Ankle Issues – Conditions like Achilles tendon injuries, bunions, and various foot and ankle injuries are effectively managed by orthopedic surgeons.

Orthopaedic Subspecialties

While orthopaedic surgeons possess comprehensive knowledge of the entire musculoskeletal anatomy, the field offers a range of subspecialties that cater to diverse patient needs.

These subspecialties include:

Foot and Ankle – Orthopaedic surgeons specializing in the foot and ankle focus on diagnosing and treating conditions related to these intricate structures, such as fractures, ligament injuries, and deformities.

Hand and Wrist –  Experts in hand and wrist orthopaedics address a spectrum of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, and arthritis, utilizing surgical and non-surgical approaches to optimize hand function.

Hip Replacement and Reconstruction – Orthopaedic surgeons specializing in hip replacement and reconstruction are skilled in managing hip-related disorders, including arthritis and injuries requiring surgical intervention.

Knee Replacement and Reconstruction – Specialization in knee replacement and reconstruction involves the diagnosis and treatment of knee conditions, such as osteoarthritis and ligament injuries, with a focus on restoring knee function.

Orthopaedic Oncology (Bone Tumors) – Experts in orthopaedic oncology specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of bone tumors, employing advanced surgical techniques to address malignant and benign growths.

Orthopaedic Trauma – Surgeons in orthopaedic trauma specialize in managing injuries to the musculoskeletal system resulting from accidents or emergencies, providing timely and effective interventions.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery – Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons cater specifically to the unique musculoskeletal needs of children, addressing conditions such as congenital anomalies, developmental disorders, and injuries.

Shoulder and Elbow – Orthopaedic surgeons specializing in the shoulder and elbow focus on treating conditions like rotator cuff injuries, shoulder instability, and various elbow disorders.

Spine – Spine specialists within orthopaedics concentrate on disorders of the spine, including herniated discs, spinal deformities, and degenerative spine conditions, utilizing surgical and non-surgical approaches.

Sports Medicine – Orthopaedic surgeons with a specialization in sports medicine are adept at managing sports-related injuries, providing comprehensive care to athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities.

It’s noteworthy that some orthopaedic surgeons may possess expertise in multiple subspecialties, allowing for a more holistic approach to patient care.

When to Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

Certain musculoskeletal injuries necessitate immediate medical attention and should be addressed in the nearest emergency room (ER). Seek urgent care if you have a broken bone, particularly if it’s an open fracture or involves multiple fractures, or if you experience intense pain accompanied by concerning symptoms such as fever, inability to bear weight or move a limb, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness.

For musculoskeletal symptoms without clear origins, your primary care doctor is an appropriate initial contact. However, for many musculoskeletal concerns, considering an orthopaedic specialist—either a primary care orthopaedist or an orthopaedic surgeon—may be a prudent first step. This includes cases involving constant or recurring pain persisting over three months, limited range of motion, symptoms affecting daily function, difficulty standing or moving, or acute injuries that do not respond to basic measures like ice or over-the-counter pain medications.

If another medical professional has recommended surgery, scheduling an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon is the next logical step. Additionally, seeking the opinion of an orthopaedic surgeon for a second assessment regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations is a valuable option.

Importantly, consulting with an orthopaedic surgeon doesn’t automatically imply that surgery is inevitable. Due to their specialized training, orthopaedic surgeons are uniquely qualified to assess whether surgery is the most suitable course of action and, if so, which procedure(s) will yield the most favorable results for your specific condition.

What types of surgeries do orthopedists perform?

Joint Replacement Surgery

• Total Hip Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement
• Total Shoulder Replacement
• Elbow Replacement

Arthroscopic Surgery

• Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the joint to diagnose and treat conditions like:
• Meniscal tears (knee)
• Rotator cuff tears (shoulder)
• Labral tears (hip and shoulder)
• Ligament injuries (e.g., anterior cruciate ligament or ACL)

Fracture Repair

• Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) for complex fractures
• Closed reduction and casting for certain fractures

Spinal Surgeries

• Discectomy for herniated discs
• Spinal fusion for instability or deformities
• Laminectomy for spinal stenosis

Hand and Wrist Surgery

• Carpal tunnel release
• Tendon repair
• Joint replacement or fusion

Foot and Ankle Surgery

• Bunion surgery
• Achilles tendon repair
• Ankle arthroscopy

Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

• Treatment of fractures and dislocations resulting from accidents or injuries
• Complex reconstructive surgeries for severe trauma

Orthopedic Oncology Surgery

• Removal of benign or malignant bone tumors
• Limb salvage surgery

Sports Medicine Surgeries

• ACL reconstruction
• Meniscus repair
• Shoulder stabilization for recurrent dislocations

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeries

• Corrective surgeries for congenital conditions (e.g., clubfoot, hip dysplasia)
• Growth plate fracture repair