What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
Bones, joints, and muscles form a complex system that keeps you moving. When injuries or chronic pain interfere, an orthopedic surgeon steps in to restore function and relieve discomfort. Their expertise extends beyond surgery, encompassing a variety of treatments tailored to each patient’s condition.
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What Conditions Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Treat?
An orthopedic surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Their goal is to enhance mobility and reduce pain through conservative treatments or surgical procedures when necessary.
They treat various conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, fractures, sprains, and dislocations. They also manage complex conditions, including degenerative diseases, congenital disorders, tumors, and infections. Additionally, they address injuries like ligament tears, muscle strains, and bone tumors.
Seeking specialist care is advisable for difficulty walking, climbing stairs, performing daily activities, lower back pain, knee discomfort, or joint stiffness. Early diagnosis and treatment improve quality of life, prevent complications, and support recovery.
1. Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are common conditions managed by orthopedic surgeons. These specialists diagnose, treat, and support recovery using both surgical and non-surgical methods.
Their primary role is to restore bone alignment and function. Techniques used include:
- Orthopedic surgery: Surgical procedures for complex or unstable fractures.
- Closed reduction: Manual bone alignment without surgery.
- Casting and immobilization: Use of splints, casts, or braces to aid healing.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Strengthening the affected area after bone recovery.
- Medications and injections: Pain and inflammation management.
- Complication prevention: Monitoring to avoid infections, improper healing, or nonunion fractures.
2. Arthritis
Arthritis affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and deformities. While orthopedic surgeons do not primarily treat arthritis, they manage its complications, particularly when surgical intervention is required.
They intervene in advanced cases where joint damage leads to severe pain or mobility issues. Consultation is recommended when:
- Joint pain is severe and persists despite medical treatment.
- Deformities affect movement.
- Daily activities like walking or climbing stairs become difficult.
- Significant loss of joint function occurs.
3. Sports Injuries
Sports injuries affect both professional athletes and individuals who engage in physical activity occasionally. Treatment varies depending on injury severity, with a preference for conservative methods before considering surgery.
Returning to sports should be gradual and supervised. Functional tests assess readiness, considering factors such as:
- Joint strength and stability.
- Movement patterns and body alignment.
- Level of inflammation and residual pain.
- Ability to change direction without reinjury risk.
With proper treatment and a multidisciplinary approach, patients can regain mobility and safely return to physical activity.
4. Spinal Conditions
Spinal conditions can cause chronic pain and mobility limitations. Orthopedic spine surgeons diagnose and treat these conditions using various techniques.
Common Spinal Conditions Treated
- Degenerative disc disease: Disc wear leading to pain and stiffness.
- Herniated disc: Displacement of the disc’s nucleus pressing on nerves.
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compressing the spinal cord or nerves.
- Spinal cord injuries: Trauma affecting neurological function and mobility.
- Spondyloarthritis: Arthritis affecting the spine, causing pain and reduced flexibility.
- Vertebral fractures: Bone fractures due to impact or conditions like osteoporosis.
- Spinal deformities: Conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis altering spinal alignment.
- Spinal tumors: Abnormal growths causing pain and neurological dysfunction.
Spinal care involves medical treatment, rehabilitation, and surgery when necessary. Orthopedic spine surgeons play a key role in restoring function and improving patient outcomes.
5. Joint Injuries
Joint injuries can affect various structures, such as bones, with fractures or dislocations that compromise stability; cartilage, with wear or damage, as in osteoarthritis; and ligaments, with tears or sprains that generate instability. They can also involve tendons and muscles, whose inflammation or rupture impacts movement, and synovial fluid, whose altered lubrication causes friction and pain.
These injuries can be caused by trauma, repetitive overload, degenerative diseases or congenital factors. Treatment of joint injuries depends on the severity of the condition and the structure involved. An orthopedic surgeon may recommend:
Most Common Joint Replacements
- Hip: For severe wear from arthritis or fractures.
- Knee: For advanced arthritis or irreversible injuries.
- Shoulder: To repair extensive joint damage and restore movement.
When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Consider seeking specialist care if you experience:
- Persistent joint pain after an injury.
- Difficulty performing daily tasks, such as walking or climbing stairs.
- Joint swelling or stiffness limiting movement.
- Recurrent dislocations or instability.
- Lack of improvement with conservative treatments.
Pain serves as a warning sign. Prolonged use of anti-inflammatory medications may mask the real issue, leading to further damage. Consulting an orthopedic surgeon ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Consult with an Orthopedic Surgeon for Personalized Treatment
Specialized orthopedic care restores mobility and alleviates pain effectively. Orthopedic surgeons tailor treatments to individual patient needs. From initial assessment to post-surgical rehabilitation, their goal is to help patients regain quality of life and resume daily activities with confidence.
Modern orthopedic care integrates advanced technology and innovative techniques for precise diagnoses and effective treatments. Plans may include non-surgical options such as physical therapy and injury prevention strategies, as well as high-precision surgical procedures when necessary. Rehabilitation and follow-up care further support recovery and improve functionality over time.
Consulting an experienced orthopedic surgeon provides access to expert treatment. Beyond medical care, emotional support and guidance throughout recovery enhance the patient experience. With dedicated specialists and a professional, welcoming environment, each patient benefits from personalized care that promotes musculoskeletal health and overall well-being.
Sources:
- Wiesel, S. W. (2015). Operative techniques in orthopaedic surgery. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.