Musculoskeletal conditions can affect people of any age at any time. We all must be knowing at least one person who is suffering from bone, muscle or joint pain. Whether the person is suffering from arthritis, traumatic injury, or any problem or condition of the musculoskeletal system, consulting an orthopedic doctor is always the right approach to ensure that you live a normal life without experiencing any discomfort. Having said that, let’s learn more about orthopedic doctors and surgeons, the conditions they treat, and more in the post.
This post talks about the areas of practice, procedures performed, and many more details about orthopedic doctors. The complete guide to understanding an Orthopedic Specialist.
Table of Contents
Who is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon practices the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of problems of ligaments, bones, muscles, tendons, and joints in the musculoskeletal system. The medical practitioner is educated and trained in preoperative, operative, and postoperative procedures.
Areas of practice
While some orthopedic doctors are generalists, others specialize in certain areas of the body including foot and ankle, hand, spine, hip and knee, and shoulder and elbow.
Orthopedic surgeons work closely with other physicians and sometimes individually to treat conditions such as:
- Bone tumors
- Dislocations
- Arthritis
- Cerebral palsy
- Fractures, strains, and sprains
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle, tendon and ligament damage
- Spine disorders
- Trauma and fractures
The Approach
In rare cases, an orthopedic surgeon will recommend surgery as the first approach to the treatment. The surgeon will recommend non-surgical options such as rehabilitation or pain medication before performing a repair or correction surgery.
Procedures Performed
Orthopedics was limited to correcting a deformity in children till the 1890s, and it was in early 1900 that surgical procedures were also performed as a part of the treatment. Over the years, the medical industry has undergone several advancements and new procedures, as well as techniques, are used to correct, repair, or provide relief from a musculoskeletal condition. Some of the practice of the common procedure by ortho surgeon are:
- Arthroscopy – Surgery performed inside the joint using a micro camera.
- Fusion – Bones are fused together using internal device or rods
- Internal Fixation – Screws, pins, and plates are used to hold broken pieces of a bone together.
- Osteotomy – Cutting or repositioning the bone to correct a deformity
Education and Training
Orthopedic doctors are highly trained in a specific area. They study medicine for years, complete internship, work as resident doctors and finish fellowship before they start working as independent practitioners, or become a part of a healthcare organization. The more experienced an orthopedic surgeon is, the more confident he will be about performing complicated procedures.
Final Words
Orthopedic doctor diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system, ligaments, joints, skeleton, and tendons. The treatment prescribed by the doctor will vary depending upon the severity of the disease, deformity, or injury. So, irrespective of the kind of bodily pain you are experiencing, it is always advised to consult an ortho doctor or surgeon instead of visiting a physician or taking over-the-counter medications.
Look for recommendations or do an online search to find the best orthopedic doctor in India. Most reputable hospitals have experienced orthopedic surgeons in their panel, so you can book an appointment and rest assured that you are in safe hands.
