Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedics is a field of medicine that deals with the functioning of the human body's musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of skeletal components such as bones, muscles, cartilage, joints, and connecting segments such as tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
Orthopedic surgeons, also known as orthopedists, study the injuries, diseases, and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. They primarily focus on hand, foot, ankle, and back injuries caused by illnesses, sports, or other trauma. They form a crucial part of the orthopedic treatment team, which includes physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurse practitioners, and athletic trainers.
Orthopedic surgeons undergo extensive training to provide holistic treatment, including non-surgical and surgical means. As a result, they play a vital role in helping patients with orthopedic conditions stand and move around comfortably. They also guide patients on lifestyle changes to prevent further damage and complications.
How does one become an orthopedic surgeon in the U.S.?
In the U.S., aspiring orthopedic surgeons must begin with a four-year undergraduate degree in sciences, followed by medical school. After completing four years of medical school, doctors must undergo a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery before enrolling in a one-year fellowship in one of the subspecialties. Orthopedic surgery is a vast field with several subspecialties, including pediatric orthopedics, hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, sports medicine, trauma surgery, orthopedic oncology, spine surgery, and joint replacement surgery.
Doctors can apply for board certification after two years of practicing orthopedic surgery. In the U.S., two governing bodies administer examinations to orthopedic surgeons, and upon clearing them, doctors become board-certified. The certifying organizations are the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
Common conditions that orthopedic surgeons treat
Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat all conditions that cause pain, swelling, loss of movement, and decreased range of motion in joints. Some common conditions are:
- Bony fractures: Orthopedic surgeons are experts at diagnosing and treating both simple and compound fractures. For simple fractures, they use casts and traction to stabilize the broken bones and the surrounding regions. For compound or complex fractures, orthopedic surgeons perform surgery. Surgical treatment for compound fractures includes open reduction and internal or external fixation. Internal fixation involves screws and metal plates to fix the broken bones and metal rods through the bony centers to stabilize the fracture. On the other hand, external fixation uses a stabilizing bar outside the skin, which holds the bone in place.
- Congenital conditions: Common congenital conditions orthopedists treat are clubfoot, scoliosis, and bowlegs. When a newborn's feet point inward, it is called clubfoot. Orthopedic surgeons use non-surgical means known as stretching and surgical options to fix the deformity. Severe defects require surgical intervention to reposition the bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments.
If the curvature of the spine is abnormal, such as "S" or "C" shaped, this condition is known as scoliosis. Scoliosis occurs due to neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, genetic disorders such as muscular dystrophy, congenital disabilities such as spina bifida, or injuries or infections that affect the spine. Standard treatment options for scoliosis include bracing and spinal fusion surgery. In the spinal fusion procedure, orthopedic surgeons fuse the vertebral bones with the help of rods, screws, and bone grafts.
Bow legs are a condition in which a child's legs bow outside. Surgery is an option if non-surgical methods like special shoes, casts, and braces are unsuccessful in treating this condition.
- Degenerative conditions such as arthritis: Orthopedic surgeons are experts at making timely diagnoses and treating all kinds of arthritis. They prescribe medications to control the condition and, in extreme cases, operate on the affected joints to help patients live better.
- Sports injuries: Sports medicine is a subspecialty devoted to studying sports injuries caused by prolonged and rigorous training sessions, such as sprains, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, meniscus tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis. These specialists deeply understand such damages and how to control and treat them best, thus helping athletes retain the maximum amount of form and function.
- Bone cancers: Orthopedic surgeons specializing in orthopedic oncology have extensive knowledge about tumors that begin in the bones and metastasize to other body parts. They study benign and malignant cancers of the bones and coordinate with other specialists to manage them. Some common bone cancers include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing's sarcoma.
How do you choose the right specialist for your symptoms?
You may want to visit an orthopedic surgeon near you if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Pain, stiffness, or discomfort that affects daily functioning.
- Chronic pain, or pain for more than 12 weeks.
- Decrease in the range of motion.
- Loss of stability when walking or standing.
- Soft tissue injury without any improvement after about 48 hours.
You would typically see a doctor for pain or problems in your muscles, joints, or bones. However, it may be difficult for you to choose the right type of specialist to diagnose and treat you. Some specialists who treat conditions affecting the bones, joints, and muscles are orthopedic doctors and surgeons, rheumatologists, physical therapists, neurologists, and rehabilitation medicine doctors.
Here is a list of specialists that you could visit based on the nature of your concerns:
You may see an orthopedic doctor near you if you have any of these symptoms:
- Muscle, joint, or bone pain after an injury or accident.
- Torn or ruptured tendon.
- Hip or knee pain.
- Dislocation or instability.
- Hip or knee arthritis.
- Diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
- Pain in the back or neck.
Rheumatologists are helpful for symptoms such as:
- Pain in multiple joints across the body.
- New joint pain that is not related to any accident or injury.
- Fever, rash, fatigue, or chest pain accompanied by joint, bone, or muscle pain.
- Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
A neurologist can help diagnose and treat symptoms such as:
- Chronic pain with tingling, numbness, or weakness.
- Back and neck pain with headaches.
- Movement or coordination issues.
A sports medicine doctor is trained to deal with problems such as:
- Any sports injury like rotator cuff injury or tennis elbow.
- Injuries or conditions that affect your participation in sports.
How can you make the most of your orthopedic appointment?
Your visit with an orthopedic surgeon can be most effective if you plan with the following checklist:
- Find out about the doctor's location, timings, and any documents you must carry, such as your insurance card or a medical referral.
- Compile your medical records, including lab reports and imaging test copies, to help your doctor understand your medical history.
- Prepare a list of your regular medications, including supplements, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs.
- Note down past treatments and surgeries that you have had for present or previous health problems, such as thyroid or heart concerns. Include any known allergies.
- You may ask a friend or family member to attend the appointment. This would help you ask questions and remember the information provided by the doctor.
- Wear comfortable clothing as you may have to change, especially if you have spine or arm problems.
- Try to be at the office in time to complete any required forms before meeting the doctor.
Be honest while sharing information about your symptoms and overall health, as it can help the doctor understand you better. You can ask the orthopedic surgeon about your treatment plan and its effect on your everyday activities. You must also take the entire course of medication and follow the prescribed diet or exercise routine. Lastly, you must keep your doctor informed on test results, medication reactions, and any changes in your symptoms.
How do orthopedic surgeons treat arthritis?
Arthritis presents itself through joint pain and swelling, impacting mobility and daily activities. While commonly associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals of all ages, necessitating tailored attention from an orthopedic surgeon.
An orthopedic surgeon can recommend a range of treatments to manage arthritis, such as:
Medication management:
To effectively manage arthritis symptoms, various medications are available, each targeting specific types of arthritis.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alleviate inflammation and pain.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) target underlying disease processes.
- Counterirritants and steroids provide localized relief.
Physical therapy:
Physical therapy is crucial in managing arthritis by improving joint mobility and strength. An orthopedic surgeon can recommend a suitable therapist based on your needs. These therapists provide personalized exercise routines to relieve discomfort and improve joint function.
Therapeutic injections:
Injections offer targeted relief for arthritis symptoms. Viscosupplementation involves injecting lubricants into joints to facilitate smoother movement. Cortisone injections provide temporary pain and inflammation relief.
Surgical interventions:
For severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery becomes necessary. Joint repair, replacement, and fusion are options to restore joint function and alleviate pain.
Knee arthritis treatment:
Managing knee arthritis involves a combination of non-surgical and surgical approaches. Medications, physical therapy, and injections help manage symptoms and improve joint function. Surgical options like knee arthroplasty and osteotomy may be necessary for advanced cases.
Hip arthritis treatment:
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon near you for early intervention is critical to managing hip arthritis effectively. Non-invasive interventions include rest, physical therapy, NSAIDs, and weight reduction. Total hip replacement surgery may be recommended for advanced cases to alleviate pain and restore mobility.
Shoulder arthritis treatment:
Arthritis of the shoulder requires a multifaceted treatment approach. Initial treatments include rest, ice, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections. If conservative measures fail, surgical options like shoulder replacement or resection arthroplasty may be considered.
What to expect at your first orthopedic surgeon appointment
Getting ready for your first visit with an orthopedic surgeon? Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident. Here's a breakdown of what your appointment may involve.
Reviewing your medical history
Before beginning the evaluation, your orthopedic surgeon will review your medical history. While they may already have some details, especially if another provider referred you, they will ask additional questions to ensure they fully understand your condition. You may be asked about:
- The symptoms you are experiencing, their severity, duration, and any triggers
- Previous treatments you have tried, including medications, therapies, or home remedies
- Any underlying health conditions that could impact your orthopedic health
- Medications and supplements you are currently taking—bring a list for reference
- Your lifestyle, activity level, and goals for treatment
Physical examination and diagnostic tests
Next, your orthopedic surgeon will conduct a physical exam to assess your strength, range of motion, reflexes, sensation, and pain levels. They might request that you perform certain movements, such as walking or raising your arms, to evaluate better how your condition affects mobility. Wearing comfortable clothing and supportive shoes can make this part of the exam easier.
Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. These tests provide a clearer view of your bones, joints, and soft tissues, helping to confirm a diagnosis. Additional tests, like blood work or joint fluid analysis, may be needed in some cases, requiring a follow-up visit.
Diagnosis and treatment discussion
Once your surgeon has gathered all necessary information, they will review their findings and suggest a treatment plan. While surgery may be an option, most orthopedic surgeons prioritize non-surgical approaches first. These may include medications, joint injections, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications. Even if surgery is required, these non-surgical treatments can improve outcomes.
Your surgeon will outline the risks, benefits, and alternatives for each treatment. Don't hesitate to ask questions—they are there to help you make informed decisions about your care.
Locating the best orthopedic surgeon near you in San Antonio, Texas
With Zocdoc, you can find the best orthopedic surgeons near your home or place of work with just a few clicks. Go to the Zocdoc website and enter essential details, such as your current location (San Antonio), zip code, symptoms or condition you want to see a specialist for, preferred date and time of appointment, and medical insurance policy. Click on 'search,' and the website will show you a curated list of doctors near you. Zocdoc provides free access to its entire database of doctors, and each specialist listed on the website has a unique profile page. You can also book in-person and virtual appointments; both are free.
Every provider's profile lists the orthopedic surgeons' educational background, including their years of training and experience, certifications and licenses, affiliations and accreditation, and any special awards they have received in the past. The profile also contains details about the doctors' gender, fluency in different languages, age group of patients they specialize in treating, and conditions they have expertise in managing. Zocdoc also allows you to check if the orthopedic surgeon of your choice accepts your current medical insurance policy and plan.
Once you select your insurance from the drop-down menu at the top of the webpage, the application will immediately tell you if the doctor is in-network.
However, if you don't see your insurance plan in the menu, you can upload a picture of your card, and the application will scan your card and show you a plausible plan. While adding your insurance information to your Zocdoc account makes it easier to find in-network providers, many offices still require you to bring your insurance card to your appointment. For more information, you can check the patient help center page.
Find an orthopedic surgeon near you on Zocdoc, where all bookings are fast, free, and secure!
Statistics related to orthopedics in San Antonio, Texas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, around 570 licensed orthopedic surgeons were practicing in Texas; this number does not include pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The location quotient for the state, the ratio between the number of orthopedic surgeons in Texas versus the entire U.S., was roughly 0.43, much lower than the national average.
According to the "State Arthritis Statistics" report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis among adults in Texas was 19.8%. The disease was more prevalent among women (23.13%) than men (16.17%). Among the patients diagnosed with arthritis, 38.90% complained of workplace limitations, and 48.2% complained of limitations in daily activities. The city of San Antonio comes under Bexar County in Texas. According to the same CDC report, the prevalence of arthritis in Bexar County in 2015 was 20.8%; this includes adults of both genders.
Furthermore, arthritis affects people of all ages, but its prevalence increases as people age. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, between 2019 and 2021, 5.4% of adults aged 18 to 44 reported experiencing arthritis. Among adults aged 45 to 64, approximately one in four individuals, equivalent to 26.0%, reported receiving a doctor's diagnosis of arthritis. Moreover, 47.3% of people who are 65 years of age or older reported having an arthritis diagnosis from a medical expert.
Sources
WebMD
Healthline
Cleveland Clinic
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Beaumont
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
SIU School of Medicine
