What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
by Mick Johnson
Orthopedics (or orthopaedics) is a branch of surgery that deals with the musculoskeletal system in an orthopedic urgent care clinic and hospitals. It’s a big world for doctors and patients.
In this article, we’ll talk about what orthopedic surgeons do, as well as what they treat and what they need to do to become professionals.
Orthopedic Surgeons
An orthopedic surgeon is a physician (MD or DO) who specializes in disorders, injuries, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, or your muscles and bones.
They often work in the operating room, which is their primary arena for surgeries, or their clinics. Professionals often use orthopedics practice management, so they can focus more on treating their patients and focus less on running the practice.
One misconception about orthopedic surgeons is that they only perform surgeries. However, an orthopedic surgeon uses both surgical and non-surgical processes to treat trauma and disorders.
Treatments
Some non-surgical treatments an orthopedic surgeon may recommend include:
Rest
Physical therapy
Rehabilitation treatments
Medications
Injections
Lifestyle changes
Meanwhile, surgical treatments may include the following:
Arthroscopy
Bone fusion
Internal fixation
Joint replacement
Osteotomy
Soft tissue repair
Some examples of injuries and conditions that need an orthopedic surgeon's attention include:
Dislocated joints
Hip or back pain
Arthritis
Fractures
Broken bones
Torn ligaments and muscles
Strains and sprains
Bone tumors
Acute, chronic, or degenerative conditions of the bone and muscles
Kinds of Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons have different areas of specialty, each focusing on a specific area of orthopedics.
Here are some examples:
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons treat children with conditions such as:
Spina bifida
Clubfoot
Scoliosis
Broken bones
Bone and joint infections
They go through extensive training since they work with delicate growth plates in children’s bones.
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
Musculoskeletal radiologists are experts in:
Computed tomography (CT scans)
Ultrasound imaging
They perform biopsies and other image-guided treatments, providing a clearer picture of patients’ problems.
Rheumatologist
Rheumatologists specialize in rheumatoid arthritis and other joint, connective tissue, and soft tissue diseases.
To know whether you need a rheumatologist instead of an orthopedic surgeon, determine if the joint pain is related to any injury. If it is, then an orthopedic physician is more suitable.
Orthopedic Tech
Orthopedic techs specialize in applying and removing casts and fitting walkers, crutches, and canes.
They also help patients in traction. They adjust the traction to realign and stabilize bone fractures or relieve pressure on the spine.
How to Become an Orthopedic Surgeon
The road to becoming an orthopedic surgeon is a long one. You’ll spend years studying and undergo a long process of review and demonstrate of your expertise before you can practice.
1. You must complete four years in college for an undergraduate degree.
2. Afterwards, you must complete another four years from an accredited medical school to obtain an MD or DO.
3. Then, you’ll spend another five years for concentrated study in an orthopedic residency program at a medical center.
4. You can participate in an extra year or two of fellowship programs to train in a specialized area.
5. You must get board-certified, which means you’ll undergo a peer-review process.
6. You’ll also need to demonstrate your expertise by passing the examinations administered by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.