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An orthopedic surgeon specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. Their role extends from performing complex surgical procedures to guiding patients through recovery and rehabilitation. Let’s examine the key responsibilities of an orthopedic surgeon and how their expertise supports long-term mobility and function.
Diagnosing Musculoskeletal Conditions
An orthopedic surgeon figures out what is wrong with your bones, joints, or muscles. The process starts when you visit their office with pain or trouble moving. Your orthopedic doctor will ask questions about how you were hurt and where the pain is located.
The orthopedic specialist then examines the area that bothers you. They may gently press on your arm, leg, or back to help determine the cause of your pain. Often, they use X-rays to examine your body, which produce images of your bones and help the doctor identify broken bones or other issues.
Some bone and joint surgeons also use other tests, such as MRI scans or CT scans. These tests take detailed pictures of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that X-rays may miss. After looking at all the information, the musculoskeletal surgeon tells you exactly what is wrong and explains it in a way you understand.
Providing Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments
Many people think orthopedic surgeons only perform surgeries, but this is not true. These doctors recommend treatments that don’t require surgery first. They prescribe medicines to reduce pain and swelling. They also recommend physical therapy, which involves specialized exercises to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
The orthopedic specialist may also suggest wearing a cast, brace, or sling to keep an injured body part still while it heals. They administer injections of medication directly into joints to reduce pain and inflammation. These treatments are often effective for many individuals with arthritis, back pain, and sports injuries.
When non-surgical treatments are ineffective, the bone and joint surgeon performs surgical operations. They fix broken bones with metal plates and screws. They also replace worn-out joints with artificial ones made of metal and plastic.
Specializing in Specific Areas of Orthopedics
Most orthopedic surgeons specialize in specific areas of the body or types of problems. Some specialize in sports medicine and work mainly with athletes. These doctors specialize in treating injuries that occur during football, basketball, soccer, and other sports.
Other musculoskeletal surgeons specialize in the hands and wrists. They fix broken fingers, treat arthritis in hand joints, and help people who have trouble gripping things. Some orthopedic specialists focus primarily on the spine and assist individuals with back and neck issues.
Joint replacement is another area where some bone and joint surgeons specialize. These doctors become experts at replacing hips, knees, and shoulders with artificial joints. They also specialize in treating children, as young bones grow differently and need special care.
Visit an Orthopedic Surgeon Near You
Orthopedic surgeons play a key role in helping people move without pain and stay active. These bone and joint specialists diagnose problems and provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments. If you experience ongoing pain or trouble moving, schedule an appointment with a musculoskeletal surgeon in your area to get the specialized care you need.
