Who are orthopedic surgeons?
Orthopedic surgeons are certified medical professionals who focus on the musculoskeletal system, which consists of muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other components essential for daily functioning and activities.
The human body is made of more than 200 bones; therefore, this branch of medicine is essential in preventing and treating bone and joint pain, which almost all people experience at some point in their lives. Besides pain management, these specialists are licensed to undertake surgical interventions if necessary. They work in various settings like hospitals, private clinics, sports institutes, medical institutions, etc. Musculoskeletal pain is the most frequent cause of annual visits to a doctor. If you suffer from persistent musculoskeletal pain from an injury or health condition, you should consider visiting an orthopedic surgeon near you to alleviate your pain.
Educational qualifications required to become an orthopedic surgeon
An aspiring orthopedic surgeon must finish up to 14 years of study and training before becoming eligible to practice in the United States. To do this, they must complete the following:
- Bachelor's degree: Complete a course of study in a college or university for undergraduates (4 years)
- Medical degree: Attend an accredited medical college to learn about human anatomy and physiology, followed by clinical rotations in various specialties (4 years)
- Residency in orthopedics: Complete this field-specific training in orthopedics in which doctors learn through handling different patients and their cases (5 years)
- Fellowship in one of the subspecialties of orthopedics: Becoming an expert in subspecialties like joint replacement surgery, orthopedic oncology, pediatric orthopedics, hand surgery, spine surgery, etc. (1 year)
Many doctors also clear a certifying examination to demonstrate their expertise in this discipline. The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery oversees this certification. Once board-certified, specialists must renew their certificates every ten years.
What responsibilities do orthopedic surgeons have? How must one prepare for them?
Orthopedic surgeons assist patients in leading a healthy life and take up the following roles and responsibilities:
- Diagnosing and treating injuries resulting from physical exercise or sports
- Assisting in managing chronic diseases like osteoporosis or arthritis, which often worsen with time, and helping improve the prognosis
- Assisting in preventing "overuse injuries," which cause a lot of pain and suffering
- Providing adequate treatment options to help patients recover faster
- Advising and counseling clients on necessary diet and lifestyle modifications
Orthopedic doctors may first inquire about your symptoms and any discomfort you may be experiencing. Writing them down before your visit will ensure you don't miss out on any crucial details. Also, you must carry along any previous lab reports or imaging tests you may have. It gives the doctor a better understanding of your illness's progress. Make sure you ask your doctor any questions and clear all the doubts in your mind.
What type of conditions can orthopedic surgeons treat?
Musculoskeletal disorders are pervasive and are the leading cause of disabilities. Certain chronic conditions can also lead to life-long pain and restriction in mobility.
An orthopedic surgeon can treat different types of musculoskeletal diseases, including:
- Arthritis - A widely known condition characterized by pain, inflammation, and swelling in the joints, arthritis is commonly experienced in the feet, hands, knees, lower back, and hips. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis, which is a degenerative disorder that can occur with increasing age.
To treat arthritis, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend medication (to manage pain) and physical therapy. Surgical treatments such as fusion of two or more bones (joint fusion), joint repair, and joint replacement may also be advisable if a nonsurgical approach does not provide relief.
- Scoliosis - While growing, some adolescent spines may develop a sideways curvature where the spine may rotate or twist. This leads to the ribs or muscles on one side of the body sticking out more than the other. Back pain, uneven shoulders and waist, and one hip higher than the other are all associated with scoliosis. Most surgeons would recommend a spinal fusion surgery if the spinal curvature is greater than 45 to 50 degrees. This curvature can worsen even after the body fully develops. The degree of correction from surgery depends on how flexible your spine is before the operation. Chances of correction are higher in more flexible spinal curves. Your orthopedic surgeon will likely measure your flexibility before surgery with X-rays called bending or traction films.
- Tendonitis - It is the inflammation of the tendons or the connective tissues that are present between the bones and muscles. Tendinitis can be acute or chronic and occurs almost anywhere in the body, including the base of the thumb, shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, and Achilles tendon. Repetitive physical activity such as playing sports, poor posture, and rheumatoid arthritis or gout can cause tendinitis. Surgery is typically not required in tendinitis except in very severe cases.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) -This condition occurs in the carpal tunnel, an inch-wide narrow pathway in the wrist. Compression or pressure on the median nerve (traveling through the upper arm and passing through the carpal tunnel into the wrist) results in pain and numbness in the forearm. CTS causes weakness and loss of sensation in your hands and worsens with time. Early-diagnosed CTS can be relieved by wearing a wrist splint, exercising, and inserting steroid injections. Surgical procedures like carpal tunnel release can help relieve pressure on the median nerve.
What procedures are carried out by an orthopedic surgeon?
Contrary to popular belief, orthopedic surgeons seldom recommend surgery to treat bone disorders. It is typically the last option they suggest. These experts may also prescribe a range of therapies and procedures, including the following:
Nonsurgical procedures, including:
- Exercises: To maintain or increase your strength and flexibility and restore your range of motion in a particular muscle group, your specialist may suggest a few specific stretches or exercises.
- Medications: Your doctor will prescribe specific drugs to aid with symptoms like pain and swelling. Some examples of such medicines include over-the-counter ones like aspirin and ibuprofen. Additionally, they can recommend certain injectable medications like corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory meds.
- Immobilization: Fractures usually heal faster if they are kept away from additional stress and strain. Casts, splints, and braces are a few immobilization devices your orthopedic surgeon may use to help bones recover quickly.
Surgical procedures: Surgery is sometimes necessary when conservative treatments are ineffective. An orthopedic surgeon can carry out procedures such as:
- Joint reconstruction: This surgery is typically needed in cases of arthritis. In this procedure, the surgeon replaces damaged or diseased portions of a joint. The replacement of the knee and the hip are two such examples.
- Internal fixation: It involves introducing devices such as pins, screws, plates, and rods to hold broken bones in place while they heal.
- Fusion: In this procedure, bone graft material and an internal fixation procedure fuse two bones. As the bone tissue heals, it forms one solid bone. Surgeries on the neck and spine frequently employ this method.
- Soft tissue repair: This surgery helps to fix damaged muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
- Osteotomy: A type of surgery that involves chopping off a piece of a bone and then repositioning it. Treatment for arthritis may occasionally involve this kind of surgery.
- Release procedure: This particular operation helps treat carpal tunnel syndrome. It relieves pressure on the median nerve, which helps reduce symptoms.
How to prepare for your first orthopedic appointment?
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon for the first time can seem daunting, but proper preparation can ease the process and help you make the most of your consultation. Here are essential tips to ensure a productive and stress-free orthopedic appointment:
Arrive early
Arrive 15-30 minutes before your appointment, especially if it's your first visit. While many practices allow you to fill out forms online beforehand, arriving early ensures you can complete any remaining paperwork without feeling rushed.
Carry essential documents
Prepare and bring the following documents to give the orthopedic surgeon a comprehensive understanding of your medical history:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Progress notes from a physical therapist, if applicable
- Surgical reports from any past procedures
- Insurance card
- Medical records and scans
- List of current medications and their dosages
- Details about drug allergies and symptoms experienced
- Relevant health insurance information
- Workers' compensation claim number, if applicable
Dress for easy examination
Wear clothing that makes it easier for the orthopedic surgeon to assess the affected area. Consider wearing or bringing shorts for issues involving the knees, hips, or spine. Opt for a sleeveless top or a shirt with loose buttons for shoulder or elbow concerns. Women should choose undergarments that facilitate a thorough shoulder examination.
Bring X-rays
Bring any X-rays related to your condition, even if another doctor ordered them. These images can provide valuable insight and prevent the need for additional imaging.
Cancel appointments in advance
If you need to cancel your appointment, notify the doctor's office at least one day in advance. Doing so allows the clinic to offer your slot to another needy patient.
Adhering to these tips ensures that your orthopedic appointment is efficient, productive, and less stressful. Proper preparation helps the surgeon assess your condition effectively and makes your visit a smooth experience.
Tips to improve your orthopedic health
Orthopedic problems cause bone and joint disorders, resulting in long-term pain and physical incapacity. Slowly changing your daily habits and lifestyle can help you prevent this problem. Here are the top tips for improving your orthopedic health.
- Stay active: A sedentary or inactive lifestyle is the primary cause of most orthopedic problems. Therefore, you must indulge in physical activity daily to maintain healthy bones and joints. Daily brisk walks are excellent ways to keep orthopedic concerns at bay. Focus on exercises that build bone strength and joint resistance. Avoid rigorous activities that may stress the joints and other bones unnecessarily. Doing a thorough stretching routine before starting your exercise would be best. Stretches enhance flexibility in the muscles and joints and prevent injuries during workouts.
- Eat healthy foods: It's not how much you eat but what you eat that makes the difference. A nutrient-rich diet can help improve bone and joint health and prevent orthopedic disorders. Maintain a balanced diet and eat healthy, nutritious foods at every meal. You must ensure that your diet includes certain minerals like calcium, which helps keep the bones healthy. Milk and milk products are the best calcium-rich foods that are easily incorporated into your eating habits. Vitamin D is another crucial nutrient for the bones. Foods like fatty fish, egg yolk, and dairy products are rich forms of vitamin D and should feature in your diet plan. There may be instances where you cannot provide your body with the requisite nourishment through food even after trying. In such cases, you can take supplements, as needed, based on your doctor's advice.
- Proper clothing and footwear: You should wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement of your joints and bones. Too tight clothes can sometimes restrict joint movement and may lead to orthopedic issues. High heels significantly affect the natural body posture and may lead to pain and other bone-related concerns. Therefore, you must wear comfortable shoes and clothes that balance your body and help you maintain health.
- Adopt healthy habits: Consistently practicing healthy habits is crucial to maintaining optimum orthopedic health. Keep a straight back while sitting or standing, and pull back your shoulders to maintain an upright posture. Avoid undue stress on the back joints and muscles. Use pillows when sleeping and ensure the head and neck are supported. It would help if you also adopted sleeping positions that aid the natural curvature of the spinal cord.
Find the best orthopedic surgeon near you in Willowbrook, Houston, TX
If you are experiencing joint issues or bone pain, need assistance with a pre-existing ailment, want a diagnosis, or need help with your recovery and rehabilitation after an injury, consult an orthopedic doctor.
You can find an orthopedic surgeon in Willowbrook, Houston, Texas, quickly by using Zocdoc from the comfort of your home. You can get a curated list of the top-rated orthopedic specialists by visiting this website and entering your condition or symptoms and insurance plan in the search box. Further filtering the search results based on location, hospital affiliation, time of day, gender, spoken languages, and whether or not a doctor sees children will make the process even more convenient.
Find out if an orthopedic surgeon accepts your insurance by choosing your provider and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. By default, this will restrict the results to only in-network providers. If you have multiple insurance plans, you can add your medical, dental, and vision plans to your Zocdoc account; however, you'll only be able to search for and book appointments using one plan at a time. You can note your secondary insurance carrier and plan details in the provider's notes section for additional coverage during the final booking step. If your provider utilizes Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can add your secondary insurance information when completing the forms online. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
To help you make an even more informed decision, Zocdoc also provides information on each doctor's educational background, including their clinical experience, certifications, licenses, awards, accreditations, and reliable patient reviews. Once satisfied, you may book an in-person or online consultation with an orthopedic surgeon near you.
All appointments on Zocdoc are quick, affordable, and secure.
Trauma & arthritis-related statistics of Texas
Texas was ranked 19th on the list of states with the highest share of orthopedic ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). The total number of orthopedic ASCs in the state is 344, or 11.80 per 1 million residents.
The 2019 Texas Trauma Registry Annual Report recorded around 144,926 trauma admissions in the emergency department. As per the Texas Department of Transportation, Texans experienced increased motor vehicle traffic fatalities. The death toll of about 4,489 in 2021 was approximately a 15.22% increase from the nearly 3,896 accident deaths recorded in 2020. Moreover, there were around 613 people killed in head-on crashes in 2021.
According to America's Health Rankings, nearly 22.2% of adults in Texas reported having arthritis in 2022. It also stated that the leading age group was 65 and over, accounting for about 49.6% of cases. Of these affected persons, roughly 25.1% were females, and more than 16.4% were males.
Sources
Penn Medicine
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
Healthline
Beaumont
Becker's Spine Review
America's Health Rankings
Texas Department of Transportation
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Advanced Ortho & Spine
OrthoInfo[1]
OrthoInfo[2]
OrthoInfo[3]
The Centers for Advanced Orthopedics
