Orthopedic Surgeon Overview
An orthopedic surgeon, or orthopaedic surgeon, is a surgeon who has been educated and trained in the diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic surgeons work closely with other health care providers and often serve as consultants to other physicians. Orthopedic surgeons often are involved in education (e.g., medical school professors) or research. They may practice in an orthopedic or multi-specialty group, or in a solo practice.
Orthopedic surgeons treat a number of conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. These conditions include the following:
Arthritis
Bone tumors
Cerebral palsy
Club foot, knock knees, bow legs, bunions, hammertoes
Dislocations
Fractures, sprains, and strains
Muscle, ligament, and tendon damage
Osteoporosis
Spine disorders (e.g., sciatica, scoliosis, ruptured disc)
Physicians entering the field of orthopedic surgery may choose to practice general orthopedic surgery, or can specialize in one of the following areas:
Arthroscopy
Foot and Ankle
Hand
Joint Replacement
Musculoskeletal Oncology
Pediatric
Rehabilitation
Reconstructive Surgery
Shoulder and Elbows
Spine
Sports Medicine
Trauma and Fractures
