Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
Your musculoskeletal system, comprising bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, is vital for movement. An orthopedic surgeon is a specialized doctor in orthopedics who focuses on medical issues related to the musculoskeletal system. These experts diagnose problems, perform procedures, recommend treatments, including knee, hip, and spinal surgeries, and aid in rehabilitation.
To become an orthopedic surgeon, one must complete approximately thirteen years of education and training, which includes a Bachelor's degree, medical school, a five-year orthopedic surgery residency, and optional subspecialty training. They may also practice in the field for two years before taking an exam for certification by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
The field of orthopedics encompasses a wide range of conditions, prompting many orthopedists to specialize in treating specific conditions, body parts, or patient populations. Common subspecialties in orthopedics include:
- Foot and ankle surgery
- Hand and upper extremity
- Orthopedic oncology (bone cancers)
- Orthopedic trauma
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Shoulder and elbow
- Spine surgery
- Surgical sports medicine
- Total joint reconstruction (arthroplasty)
What conditions do orthopedic surgeons treat?
Orthopedists address a broad spectrum of conditions that impact individuals across all age groups, from infants to older people. Some common conditions treated by these specialists are:
- Bone cancers, like osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and bone metastases
- Fibromyalgia
- Foot and ankle problems, including bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and sprain
- Fractures, such as closed fractures, open fractures, stress fractures, and hip fractures
- Lower back pain resulting from disc herniation and spinal degeneration
- Hand and wrist issues, such as wrist tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Knee pain and injuries, such as meniscus tears and anterior cruciate ligament injuries
- Neck problems related to spinal stenosis and whiplash
- Osteoarthritis or "wear and tear arthritis."
- Osteoporosis
- Scoliosis or abnormal curvature of the spine
- Shoulder injuries, including bursitis, shoulder dislocation, and rotator cuff injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, like strains and sprains
If you experience any discomfort related to movement or musculoskeletal injury, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon near you. Orthopedists can diagnose your condition and help you regain lost mobility. They are also valuable for preventing further injuries and supporting recovery, addressing issues like torn or broken ligaments or tendons, fractures that don't heal with casts, and spine or hip fractures. In addition to injuries, orthopedic surgeons can assist with chronic muscle and joint pain, mobility loss, and conditions such as arthritis and bursitis.
What to expect at your orthopedic appointment?
When you see an orthopedic surgeon near you for the first time, they will inquire about your symptoms and medical history to ascertain the cause. They will also ask about your lifestyle to understand the expected outcomes from treatment. Bring copies of your medical records and reports, including imaging and lab work from other doctors.
Depending on your symptoms, the orthopedist may physically examine the affected body part, perform specific movements, and order tests like X-rays or MRIs. Sometimes, the orthopedist may diagnose your condition by asking questions without ordering tests.
Once diagnosed, your orthopedist will discuss treatment options. Orthopedic surgeons offer surgical and nonsurgical procedures. For certain trauma and congenital conditions, surgery would be the first line of treatment. For other issues, the orthopedist may try nonsurgical therapies first. Nonsurgical options can include:
- Devices like braces, casts, and slings to support bones and joints
- Non-opioid medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
- Occupational therapy to enhance daily task performance
- Orthotics to provide proper foot positioning support
If nonsurgical options fail to provide relief, surgical treatments can be considered. Orthopedists perform a wide array of surgical procedures, such as:
- Foot and ankle procedures, like hammertoe surgery, Achilles tendon repair, bunion correction, and total ankle replacement
- Hand and upper extremity surgeries, like carpal tunnel release, rotator cuff surgery, and trigger finger surgery
- Joint replacement and reconstruction, such as total hip, total and partial knee, total shoulder replacement, and reconstructive surgery for shattered bones or severely damaged joints
- Spine surgeries like spinal decompression, spinal fusion, and laminectomy
- Sports injury procedures like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair, rotator cuff tear repair, and hip surgery for labral tears
Appointment tips for visiting an orthopedic surgeon near you
Having your first appointment with an orthopedic surgeon can be intimidating, but some preparation and research can help you make the most out of your appointment.
Begin by locating a specialist within your insurance network. Request referrals from your primary care doctor or consult your insurance company for a list of local providers. Verify the surgeon's credentials through the Certification Matters website by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
On the day of your appointment, make sure to bring your insurance ID card and all relevant lab or imaging reports. Ensure your primary care doctor forwards any necessary electronic medical records (EMRs) to the orthopedic surgeon.
When describing your symptoms, be clear and precise without minimizing or exaggerating your condition. If your symptoms are recurrent or vary at times, keep a journal to document their nature and frequency.
Draft a list of questions to better understand your condition and proposed treatments. For example, you might ask:
- Why is this procedure being recommended?
- What are the treatment goals?
- What is the success rate for this procedure?
- How is the procedure carried out?
- Does it require anesthesia?
- How often have you performed this surgery?
- How long will the benefits last?
- What are the potential risks and complications?
- How can I reduce my risk?
- What is the expected recovery time?
- When can I return to work?
- How will I know if the treatment is successful?
- Will additional treatments be necessary in the future?
- What happens if I don't have the surgery now?
- Who can I contact for a second opinion?
You can ensure a more productive consultation and achieve better health outcomes by arriving well-prepared and informed.
How can you find a qualified orthopedic surgeon near you?
You can now find a qualified orthopedic surgeon in Denver and book an appointment through Zocdoc. It is an online platform connecting you with the top healthcare providers across the U.S. To start your search, log in to the Zocdoc portal and enter your symptoms or specify the specialist you need, like "orthopedic surgeon" and your location. Sharing your healthcare insurance details can help you find in-network orthopedic surgeons in Denver, CO.
When booking an appointment on Zocdoc, you can share your insurance information or acknowledge that you will be paying out-of-pocket. Some providers may require insurance details to schedule an appointment. If you prefer not to use insurance or don't have insurance, you can look for another provider on Zocdoc who accommodates such preferences. You can visit Zocdoc's patient help center for any more insurance-related questions.
Zocdoc provides filters for distance, time of day, gender, and language preferences. Each profile on Zocdoc includes the healthcare provider's qualifications, certifications, licensing, and other essential information. Additionally, user-verified reviews and ratings are available for every provider in the database.
Booking appointments are convenient on Zocdoc, where you can compare profiles, review information, and schedule virtual or in-person appointments at no extra cost.
All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free. Book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon near you on Zocdoc today.
Statistics on musculoskeletal conditions in the United States
As per the Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States data, around 1 in 2 adults (126.6 million) is affected by musculoskeletal conditions in the country. Among the most prevalent conditions, approximately 55.4 million adults have arthritis, and about 101.3 million adults experience neck and lower back pain.
Moreover, approximately 4.2 million sports injuries require medical attention annually, with 61% of injuries being musculoskeletal. It was also found that roughly 1 in 2 women and about 1 in 4 men over the age of 50 are likely to experience a fracture related to osteoporosis. The data reveals that millions suffer from other musculoskeletal conditions like bone cancers, spinal deformities, connective tissue disorders, and congenital conditions.
These figures underscore the urgent need for healthcare within the orthopedic field. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 19,060 orthopedic surgeons (excluding pediatric specialists) in the United States. Of these, roughly 15,830 orthopedists practice in offices, 2,540 in general medical and surgical hospitals, and 190 in outpatient care centers. As of May 2022, there are about 430 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
Sources
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
Verywell Health
The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States (BMUS)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
