Who are orthopedic surgeons?
Doctors who specialize in diagnosing orthopedic issues are called orthopedic surgeons. They focus on musculoskeletal disorders, which include joints, connective tissues, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles. They can write for diagnostic examinations, dispense prescriptions, perform surgeries, and help with orthopedic rehabilitation. They can also devise long-term plans to heal your ailment or condition completely.
What are the educational qualifications and training requirements of an orthopedic surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon undergoes an extensive educational journey, which includes four years of undergraduate education at a college or university, four years of medical school, five years of rigorous training in an orthopedic residency program, and one or more additional years of fellowship training in a specific subspecialty.
Education can take the form of conventional medical school leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or osteopathic education leading to a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree. Osteopathic physicians adopt a holistic approach to healthcare, considering a person's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Following their foundational education, orthopedic surgeons undergo a five-year orthopedic residency program, gaining practical experience in a clinical setting. The residency program focuses on in-depth learning about orthopedic surgery. Throughout this period, orthopedists undergo rotations at different hospitals, gaining hands-on experience in various surgical techniques and technologies across major subspecialties. Those who aspire to specialize often pursue a one- or two-year fellowship.
After finishing their medical education, orthopedic professionals can obtain board certification through ongoing certification exams administered by organizations such as the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (AOBOS) or the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). They also commit to a lifelong Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process involving continuous study, participation in medical education, and regular self-assessment exams to stay updated in their field.
Some orthopedic surgeons earn the Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS) designation, a prestigious accolade that distinguishes them in bone and joint healthcare.
What are the subspecialties in orthopedics?
While orthopedic surgeons possess knowledge of the entire musculoskeletal system, many orthopedists choose to specialize in particular areas or subspecialties. Some of the common subspecialties are as follows:
- Foot and ankle
- Hand and wrist
- Hip replacement and reconstruction
- Knee replacement and reconstruction
- Orthopedic oncology (bone tumors)
- Orthopedic trauma
- Pediatric orthopedic surgery
- Shoulder and elbow
- Spine
- Sports medicine
What procedures can an orthopedic surgeon perform?
Orthopedic surgeons can perform various surgical procedures, which may be open or minimally invasive. Your orthopedic surgeon will explain the specific surgery you need, what it entails, the risk factors, and other options, if any. Some standard procedures may be:
- Shoulder replacement—The shoulder experiences significant stress regularly. For shoulder replacement, it is often essential to remove the upper portion of the humerus or the forearm bone and substitute it with a metal ball. The surgeon then replaces the socket's damaged piece with a plastic component.
- Hip replacement—Similar to the cartilage in the knee, the hip starts to deteriorate with age. Then, it must be replaced partially or entirely, with the latter being the more common approach.
- Knee replacement—Some problems requiring knee replacement include obesity, bursitis, knee injuries, etc. In these situations, a knee replacement operation helps replace all or a portion of the knee joint with an artificial one. Knee replacement surgery is required when a joint's cartilage is worn down, inhibits motion, or becomes excruciatingly painful to move.
- Arthroscopy—This minimally invasive procedure often treats the shoulder or knee. An arthroscope contains a tiny camera, and when put inside the body, it helps in closely viewing the joint, enabling the orthopedic surgeon to analyze and get accurate photos of the injury. Before replacing a knee or shoulder, arthroscopy helps determine the extent of the damage and the most appropriate course of treatment.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery—The ACL, which spans diagonally across the knee front, is a vital portion of a knee. Whenever you rotate your leg, this ligament helps you stay steady. When this ligament tears, reconstructive treatment is used. Usually, the surgery involves removing a tendon fragment from another portion of the body and grafting it onto the affected ACL region. Since this treatment is mild, the patient is released from the hospital the same day.
- Joint fusion—For patients with arthritis, a joint fusion operation is frequently required. In this surgery, the orthopedic surgeon transplants the healthy body part cartilage into the damaged cartilage part. The joint is then supported by joining the bones on each side of the cartilage. The surgery treats the spine, ankles, feet, or fingers.
When should you visit an orthopedic surgeon?
Deciding whether to visit an orthopedist might be confusing, but these signs can indicate that you must book an orthopedic consultation.
- Experiencing constant severe pain: Any pain lasting more than 12 weeks is generally called chronic. Acknowledging and treating any persistent bone pain is crucial.
- Having trouble carrying out everyday chores: Although bone and joint aches and pains are common in older people, these difficulties shouldn't prevent anyone from living life to the fullest. If you are experiencing problems with routine tasks like climbing stairs or walking, it is better to see an orthopedist.
- Limited mobility: Do you sometimes notice that your muscles become tighter and stiffer as the day passes? Loss of movement may result from joint injuries or disorders like arthritis. You should immediately see a qualified specialist to prevent future problems.
- Feeling discomfort even after 48 hours of injury: If your recent soft tissue injuries—such as a twisted knee, sprained ankle, or fractured wrist—have not significantly improved after 48 hours, you must consult a doctor.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is characterized by inflammation and sensitivity of one or more joints. Common symptoms include discomfort and rigidity in the affected joints, which worsen over time. The two majorly cited forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis results in the deterioration of cartilage, the tough, slick tissue covering the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, initially targeting the joint lining.
Gout can occur due to the formation of uric acid crystals stemming from elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Other types of arthritis may arise from infections or underlying conditions like psoriasis or lupus.
Several key factors can influence arthritis susceptibility:
- Family history: You may be at a higher risk of developing arthritis if either of your parents or siblings has the condition, as certain types of arthritis run in families.
- Age: The propensity for various types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, escalates with age.
- Gender: Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect women more frequently than men, whereas gout predominantly afflicts males.
- Previous joint trauma: Individuals with a history of joint injuries, potentially incurred during athletic activities, face an increased susceptibility to arthritis manifestation in the affected joint(s).
- Obesity: Excessive body weight imposes undue strain on joints, particularly in the knees, hips, and spine. Consequently, individuals with obesity are at a heightened risk of developing arthritis.
Treatment options differ based on the type of arthritis. If you suspect you have arthritis symptoms, book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon near you.
Key questions to ask your orthopedic surgeon
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon for the first time can feel overwhelming; however, creating a list of questions ahead of time can improve the session's effectiveness. While every case is unique, these essential questions will guide your discussion and ensure you receive comprehensive care:
What does my pain indicate?
Describing your pain level helps with diagnosis. A 1-10 pain scale—where 1 represents no pain, and 10 signifies severe pain—simplifies communication and ensures accurate assessment.
What medical history details do you need?
Providing a complete medical history allows for a thorough evaluation. Gather relevant records, including past consultations, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. If you have consulted another doctor, bring their records and contact details.
What are the potential risks and benefits of my treatment options?
Informed decision-making requires understanding your treatment's positive outcomes and potential side effects. Discussing risks helps you and your surgeon develop the best approach.
How can I prevent future orthopedic issues?
Discussing preventive measures is crucial, especially when starting a new physical activity. Your orthopedic surgeon can recommend exercises or lifestyle modifications to help you avoid injuries and maintain joint health.
Are there any dietary or activity restrictions for my treatment?
If a treatment plan is recommended, understand what to avoid for optimal healing. Certain foods, drinks, or activities may interfere with recovery, so clarifying these in the early stages ensures a smoother process.
Can I take home additional information?
If you need more time to decide on a treatment plan, ask for brochures or other resources. Your surgeon may provide helpful materials to support your decision-making process.
How do you find the best orthopedic surgeon near you?
Proper treatment and the right therapy can resolve most musculoskeletal problems. Educating yourself on the causes and symptoms, along with operating on the guidance and advice of your orthopedic surgeon, can significantly speed up your healing.
If you want the best orthopedic surgeon in Houston, Texas, Zocdoc can help you find an ideal specialist in your preferred location. On the website, just type in your region, specialty (orthopedics surgeons), and preferred appointment time. You can also choose doctors depending on their gender, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they work with children.
On Zocdoc, each orthopedic surgeon has a unique profile that allows you to check their educational background, board certifications, specialties, work experience, clinical interests, certifications, and spoken languages. You can also read genuine and verified patient reviews to make a well-informed choice.
Zocdoc makes the insurance filing process easier by allowing you to browse orthopedic surgeons who accept your insurance plan. The insurance detector on Zocdoc might be helpful if you need clarification about your insurance coverage. To use this feature, enter the name of your insurance company in the search box. To submit your medical insurance information before your visit, use the insurance card capture option on the website.
If you don't have insurance, you can still conduct searches on Zocdoc; however, the results won't specify which providers are in-network or out-of-network. You'll either need to input your insurance details or acknowledge that you'll cover your appointment costs out of your pocket. Are you unable to locate your health plan? Do not panic! You can use our insurance detector feature for help. To do so, go to account settings and upload a photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will scan it and show your likely plan. You can add the information to the search bar and continue looking for in-network providers. Do you have more insurance-related questions? Our Zocdoc patient help center page will have the required answers!
After selecting the ideal orthopedic surgeon near you for your condition, click the "book appointment" button, and Zocdoc will help you set up an instant appointment for your initial visit. In addition to in-person consultations, the platform allows you to schedule video sessions. Look for the purple video icon on your doctor's profile or filter the video appointment selection.
Booking an appointment with Zocdoc is quick, safe, and 100% free.
Statistics on orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic disorders in Texas, United States
According to quantitative data presented in the 2021 America's Health Rankings report, about 25.8% of Americans in 2021 had some form of arthritis. Texas has a below-average percentage of this number at roughly 21.3%. Texas had around 7.1% of individuals aged 18-44 with arthritis, compared to about 8.4% nationally.
According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, approximately 970 licensed orthopedic surgeons were practicing in Texas as of May 2022. However, this does not include pediatric orthopedic surgeons.
The "Orthopedic Practice in the U.S. 2018" research by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons' asserts that Texas had around 7.14 surgeons per 100,000 residents in 2018. The national density over the same period was close to 9.25. The findings indicate that Texas was one of the five states with the least number of orthopedic surgeons. The research also revealed that, on average, orthopedic doctors in Texas were 55.16 years old. Female orthopedic surgeons made up about 5.2% (106 doctors) of the overall workforce (2,020 doctors), whereas men were around 92.5% (1,869 surgeons).
Sources
WebMD
AICA Orthopedics
America's Health Rankings
Orthopedic Specialty Group
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons[1]
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons[2]
OrthoInfo
Verywell Health
Cleveland Clinic
Mayo Clinic
MidAmerica Orthopaedics
