Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon is a qualified medical provider who diagnoses orthopedic problems, performs surgeries, and prescribes treatments. The specialist helps develop strategies to treat disorders related to the body's musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They can perform various ankle, knee, hip, spinal, hand, and neck procedures. They may attempt to treat an issue with medicines and minor intrusive procedures; however, they also have training in performing complex surgeries if required.
What kind of education and training do orthopedic surgeons receive?
Orthopedic surgeons undergo rigorous training before they start practicing. After completing their bachelor's degree, they join a medical school for four years. After which, they begin a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery at a medical institution. Prospective surgeons practice in the field for two years after completing their residency and take an exam officially recognized by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Once they complete their residency, some doctors may also go for specialization in orthopedic subspecialties.
What are the common subspecialties of orthopedic surgery?
Orthopedic surgeons treat issues related to the bones, joints, and ligaments that may be genetic, congenital, or have developed during a person's lifetime. These injuries or conditions include deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, and degenerative diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
Some surgeons may continue to pursue fellowships to add experiences and qualifications in different subspecialties. Some common subspecialties are as follows:
- Sports medicine: The doctors in this specialty receive training in treating athletes and sports persons for sports-related injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system. The specialists can help improve performance and enable faster recovery. The athletes' afflicted joints get immediate treatment to regain joint functioning.
- Hand surgery: Training in this specialty allows physicians to treat conditions or injuries that affect the hand, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, trigger fingers, etc. They can perform surgeries on the hand or treat the conditions with artificial devices.
- Pediatric orthopedics: Orthopedic surgeons trained in this specialty treat conditions and issues related to children, such as scoliosis, cerebral palsy, broken bones, etc. The specialist has an in-depth understanding of children's growth and development.
- Joint replacement: One of the most prevalent subspecialties of orthopedic surgery focuses on replacing worn-out joints brought on by aging, regular wear and tear, or overuse. The most often replaced joints are the hip and knee joints.
- Spine surgery: These specialists get training in treating injuries and illnesses of the spine. Various causes, such as injury, degeneration, or trauma, can cause such problems.
- Trauma surgery: Doctors specializing in trauma surgery deal with severe and critical injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system. In accidental trauma or injuries, the symptoms can be random and often occur without warning. Hence, the specialist must always be ready to deal with critical situations and deeply understand human anatomy to identify the damage and proceed with the treatment plan.
- Foot and ankle orthopedics: Orthopedic surgeons can also specialize in treating issues related to the foot and ankle, such as sprains and strains, conditions like Achilles tendonitis, or diabetes-related problems.
While searching for orthopedic surgeons, it is crucial to understand their specialization to find the right fit with relevant knowledge in treating your condition.
What is the difference between rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons?
Rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons (orthopedists) both specialize in conditions affecting your muscles, joints, and bones. They treat similar issues like arthritis, back pain, and osteoporosis. However, there are key differences between these medical experts.
Orthopedic surgeons perform surgeries, while rheumatologists do not. Orthopedists mainly focus on problems caused by injury, birth defects, and wear and tear over time (degenerative disease). On the other hand, rheumatologists deal with conditions originating from systemic diseases that affect your entire body. Examples include lupus, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rare genetic disorders.
Often, rheumatologists and orthopedists collaborate in patient care. For instance, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, your rheumatologist and orthopedist may work together to ensure you receive comprehensive treatment and care.
Treatments provided by an orthopedic surgeon
Depending on the injury or diagnosis, orthopedists address various ailments using surgical and non-surgical treatments. Non-surgical approaches include exercise recommendations, medication, and lifestyle changes to promote healing and prevent further injury.
Surgical treatments
When surgery is necessary, orthopedists perform procedures to address specific issues:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive technique using cameras to diagnose and repair joint problems such as tears, swelling, or scar tissue.
- Joint fusions/internal fixations: This involves the use of devices like screws, plates, and rods to stabilize and join bone fragments, enabling proper healing.
- Osteotomy: This procedure corrects bone deformities by cutting and repositioning the bone for better alignment.
- Soft tissue repair: Focuses on repairing or repositioning damaged tendons and ligaments that are torn or overstretched.
Joint replacement
In advanced cases of joint damage, joint replacement surgery might be required. This can involve a total or partial replacement of the joint or a revision replacement if the initial procedure needs adjustment. Damaged joints are replaced with artificial materials such as metal alloys, durable plastics, or ceramics designed to restore function and reduce pain.
Non-surgical treatments
Non-surgical options include therapies like physical and occupational therapy, which help patients regain mobility and strength. Orthopedists may also recommend alternative treatments like acupuncture or other holistic approaches. These are often combined with lifestyle modifications to optimize recovery. Orthopedists monitor the patient's progress during follow-ups to ensure the chosen treatments are effective.
Orthopedic tests
Orthopedists use a variety of diagnostic tests to detect the root cause of pain or dysfunction:
- Neer's test: Helps detect rotator cuff impingements.
- Drawer and stress tests: Assess ligament integrity in the knee.
- Straight leg test: This test evaluates nerve sensitivity and muscle strength in the lower leg and is often used to diagnose sciatic nerve issues.
Why should you visit an orthopedic surgeon near you?
Most often, people go to an orthopedic doctor because of pain in a joint, muscle, or bone or any movement-related discomfort. If your body is hurting, stiff, or swollen, or if you've injured your joints, bones, muscles, or ligaments, it's a good idea to see an orthopedic surgeon. Another reason to see an orthopedic doctor is if your ability to move is limited. These surgeons can help you regain your range of motion.
In case of a significant injury, orthopedic surgeons can not only aid in recovery but also help prevent future injuries, which is why athletes often seek their expertise. Common injuries they treat include torn or ruptured ligaments/tendons or broken bones that require more than just a cast to heal.
You don't necessarily need to have an injury to see an orthopedic surgeon. Many people visit them because of persistent aches, pains, or mobility issues, which may be caused by old injuries or develop gradually over time. You might consult an orthopedic surgeon for bone and soft-tissue problems due to long-term conditions like arthritis, bursitis, chronic muscle and joint pain, or tumors, whether benign or cancerous.
Your treatment plan may involve surgery, medication, or physical therapy. Depending on your condition, such treatment could help cure your symptoms.
Who is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon?
A pediatric orthopedist is the most qualified and experienced provider for evaluating and treating musculoskeletal disorders in growing children. They provide care and treatment to infants through teenagers.
Children have very different joint, muscle, and bone structures than adults since their bodies are still growing. Thus, their pediatricians may refer them to pediatric orthopedic surgeons when necessary.
These surgeons usually work at specialty pediatric hospitals to ensure that children suffering from numerous medical conditions receive the required multidisciplinary care from various pediatric specialists.
What should you expect when visiting a pediatric orthopedic surgeon?
Unlike adults, children may not always be able to express their concerns. They may be unable to answer medical questions, sit patiently, and cooperate throughout a medical examination. Therefore, they may need adult assistance during a pediatric orthopedic surgeon visit.
These surgeons generally establish a rapport with the child. They may communicate differently than a regular orthopedic surgeon. Their offices are often decorated in bright colors and may have a few toys and chairs suitable for children.
When visiting a pediatric orthopedic surgeon for the first time, carry all the relevant medical documents and insurance information. You will discuss your child's symptoms and medical history with them. You should make sure your child is dressed comfortably and can move freely.
The surgeon will then examine your child and discuss any problems they may be facing. The doctor may conduct some tests and procedures to understand the situation better. After the diagnosis, they will discuss the treatment plan with you and schedule any subsequent necessary procedures. Some treatments pediatric orthopedic surgeons recommend may include a cast brace, physical therapy, or surgery. The treatment will depend on the child's condition and diagnosis.
How can you find the best orthopedic surgeons in Arlington, VA?
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating various conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. The diseases can range from injury to congenital deformities, infections, trauma, tumors, or degenerative disorders like arthritis. The doctors can prescribe medicines, perform minor procedures, and even complex surgeries if required. The specialists can also use physical therapy and durable medical equipment such as the application of braces, casts, or splints.
However, finding a qualified, experienced orthopedic surgeon near you can take time and effort. With hundreds of options online, it becomes challenging to make the right choice. Zocdoc is a platform that makes searching for information easy. It lets you access an open directory of top-rated medical and healthcare providers for all your needs.
Using Zocdoc, you can locate your nearest provider by conducting an area-specific search. You can also find them based on symptoms, conditions, and the doctor's specialty you seek. You can pay through your health plan by including your insurance carrier's name during the search. The website will show you all the providers who accept your insurance. Your insurance card information is secure with Zocdoc. Protecting your data is a top priority, and we follow industry best practices to ensure its safety. To learn more about Zocdoc's data security and privacy approach, you can review our detailed policies here. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
The relationship you share with your physician is vital to your treatment; therefore, Zocdoc goes the extra mile to find a doctor who fits all your requirements. You may narrow your search based on the provider's gender and language and then consult with a doctor with whom you can speak about your concerns comfortably.
Each provider associated with Zocdoc has a unique profile where you can read about their qualifications, certifications, clinical interests, expertise, experience, and language. You can also access verified reviews and ratings from previous patients to make informed choices. Once you have selected the best-fit orthopedic surgeon near you for your needs, you can book a virtual or in-person appointment via Zocdoc.
Booking appointments on Zocdoc is easy, secure, and free!
Prevalence of arthritis in the USA and Virginia
Arthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in the USA and affects millions yearly. According to 2013-2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, around 58.5 million people were diagnosed with some form of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or fibromyalgia. The condition typically affects people over 65 years — where approximately 49.6% of them in the USA reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
The scenario is similar in Virginia. According to the 2018 Virginia Department of Health, arthritis was one of the leading causes of disability in the state and affected the population's health-related quality of life. According to the reports in 2018, around 31.6% of the people aged 18 years or older diagnosed with arthritis reported being physically inactive. Approximately 26% of the population over 18 years suffered from arthritis.
Sources
Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Virginia Department of Health
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Cleveland Clinic
Verywell Health
