Orthopedic surgeon

Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in the musculoskeletal system – the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are so essential to movement and everyday life.

With more than 200 bones in the human body, it’s an in-demand specialty. Dislocated joints. Hip or back pain. Arthritis (which afflicts half of the senior’s age 65 and older). Acute, chronic, or degenerative, all of these common disorders fall under orthopedics. 

Because of the specialty’s vastness, most orthopedic surgeons sub-specialize, focusing on a specific treatment area. Hand and wrist specialists only see hand and wrist cases. Joint surgeons only treat hip or knee patients with arthritis or another limiting joint condition. This lets them diagnose, treat and even prevent orthopedic problems with next-level precision. 

But even sub-specialized orthopedic surgeons are abundant, leading back to these questions: 

What should I look for in an orthopedic surgeon? 

With so many options and sub-specialties, how can I find one that’s a great fit for me? 

And, finally, if I see an orthopedic surgeon, does it automatically mean surgery is in my future? 

Kinds of Orthopedic Doctors

Let’s start by differentiating between orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic specialists. 

When referring to orthopedic doctors, the term “orthopedic surgeon” is often used by default. This is understandable considering that orthopedic surgeries are one of the more common medical procedures that people encounter, so many of us know someone who has had some kind of orthopedic surgery. However, while all orthopedic surgeons are orthopedic specialists, not all orthopedic specialists are orthopedic surgeons. 

Any orthopedic specialist – surgical and otherwise – is qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat your orthopedic ailment using non-invasive treatments. And just because orthopedic surgeons are qualified to operate doesn’t mean they will. Reputable orthopedic specialists backed by robust health care systems are more likely to restore lives using advanced non-surgical techniques, from minimally invasive procedures to computer-assisted treatments to the harvesting and growth of your own cells for cartilage repair. 

“Orthopaedic specialists, operative or not, are often the quarterback of a patient’s orthopedic care plan”, “They work to evaluate the patient’s unique condition and offer treatment options, helping them determine their best course of action. That might include surgery, but often doesn’t – even if that doctor is an orthopedic surgeon.”

Surgeon or Specialist?

Non-surgical orthopedists can be a great starting point for patients who don’t have a clear diagnosis and many orthopedic conditions can be effectively treated without surgery – up to 70% of all sports medicine injuries, in fact. If surgery becomes necessary, then they direct patients to orthopedic surgeons or include surgeons in care. 

On the other hand, it’s wise to seek out an orthopedic surgeon if your diagnosis or suspected diagnosis might include surgery. 

“Patients can determine if they might need surgery by first seeing their primary care physician, and even researching their condition after a diagnosis,”

This brings us to another common question: Do you need to see your primary care physician (PCP) before seeking out an orthopedic opinion?  

The Role of PCPs

Whenever an injury is traumatic or caused or exacerbated by repetitive motion, you’ll likely end up seeing an orthopedic specialist – so there’s no reason not to consult with one right away.

On the other hand, primary care providers (PCPs) are the best starting point when patients are experiencing a mix of orthopedic symptoms (bone and joint pain) and non-orthopedic symptoms. 

In terms of when to see an orthopedic specialist or a PCP, there are a few telltale indicators that it’s time: chronic pain, an inability to perform everyday functions, a limited range of motion, trouble walking or standing, or if you have a sprain or another soft tissue injury that hasn’t improved in 48 hours. 

The Value of Sub-Specialists

An orthopedic specialist who sub-specializes in treating a specific body part or condition is almost always a patient’s best bet. 

Sub-specialists have a wealth of experience and knowledge in their area of expertise. Beyond the obvious benefits, this can help them navigate complex and high-risk cases when they arise. Sub-specialization is especially critical when surgery is in the mix.

“Medicine takes sub-specialization one step further, to hyper-specialization. This means we routinely see and treat extreme, unique, and high-risk cases that others aren’t able to handle,” explains Dr. Levin. 

Additionally, sub-specialists are more likely to be involved in research on ways to optimize existing treatments or even develop something new and better. This leads us to the second thing to look for in an orthopedic specialist: robust resources.

Robust Resources 

Look for an orthopedic specialist backed by a sizeable, reputable health system. Furthermore, specialists whose institutions conduct clinical research may see greater potential for improvement in inpatient care. 

These physicians have access to a vast number of resources and options spanning diagnosis, rehabilitation, pain management, and medicine. In addition, they’re more likely to handle care coordination for you, keeping track of your appointments and needs across specialties.

“Orthopaedics successfully completes thousands of procedures a year,” says Dr. Levin. “And because we take a whole-body approach to diagnose and treat orthopedic conditions, we’re often working with physicians, nurses, and physical therapists outside of our department. This offers great health benefits as well as practical organizational benefits.”

Look for Top-Notch Training 

Beyond all necessary board-certified training and degrees, look for an orthopedist who has completed an accredited fellowship in a sub-specialty related to your condition or suspected condition. 

A fellowship is a period of medical training, usually a year or longer, following residency. Fellowships often help physicians develop their sub-specialty. Accreditation information, including fellowships, can usually be found on a physician’s official online profile. If it’s not, ask for it. 

**Question:⁣ What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?**



**Answer:**



An orthopedic surgeon‍ is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing, treating, ​and preventing ⁢disorders‍ and‍ injuries of the musculoskeletal system. They use surgical⁣ and‌ non-surgical methods to treat conditions affecting bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves.



**Question: What Do Orthopedic Surgeons Treat?**



**Answer:**



Orthopedic surgeons treat a wide⁣ range of conditions, including:



* Fractures and dislocations

* Ligament and tendon injuries

* ‍Arthritis (such as osteoarthritis and‌ rheumatoid arthritis)

* Back‌ and neck⁢ pain

* Sports injuries

* Carpal tunnel syndrome

* Clubfoot and other birth defects

* Bone and joint infections

* Bone tumors



**Question: What‌ Are the Qualifications of an ⁢Orthopedic ‌Surgeon?**



**Answer:**



To ‌become an ⁣orthopedic surgeon, medical professionals⁤ must complete the following:



* Medical school (4 ​years)

* ⁢Residency in orthopedic surgery (5 years)

* Fellowship in a subspecialty (optional)

* Board certification in orthopedic surgery



**Question: What Are ​the Different⁢ Types ​of Orthopedic Surgeons?**



**Answer:**



There are several subspecialties within orthopedic surgery, including:



* Hand surgeons

*⁢ Foot and​ ankle surgeons

* Spine surgeons

* Sports medicine⁢ surgeons

* Trauma surgeons

* Pediatric orthopedic surgeons



**Question: What Are the Treatment Options for Orthopedic Conditions?**



**Answer:**



Orthopedic surgeons use a variety of ​treatment ⁢options, depending on the⁢ condition and its severity. These may include:



*​ Medications

* Physical therapy

* Injections

* Surgery (open, minimally invasive, or ‍robotic)



**Question: What Are the Benefits‌ of Seeing ‍an Orthopedic Surgeon?**



**Answer:**



Seeing an orthopedic surgeon can provide several benefits, including:



* Accurate diagnosis of your condition

* Development ‍of a​ personalized treatment plan

* Relief from pain and discomfort

* Improved mobility ⁤and ‌function

* Prevention of further injury or complications