Our bones and joints can be fragile, and sometimes problems arise that require treatment. An ankle might be fractured or broken, a shoulder or knee might be dislocated, or the spine may not be properly aligned. Orthopedic surgeons, or orthopedists, are trained to treat these types of problems. These specialized physicians diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including problems affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
These surgeons work with patients with a wide variety of problems, including fractured bones, dislocated joints, ruptured discs, compressed spinal cords, and torn ligaments and tendons. These problems may be caused by aging or injury, or they may be present at birth. Some patients suffer from diseases such as arthritis, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy.
Patients are generally referred to orthopedic surgeons by their family practitioners. When a new patient comes in, the surgeon will first assess the patient’s condition, and then recommend a course of treatment. In many cases this treatment will involve surgery. However, orthopedic surgeons also treat patients using non-surgical methods, such as through the use of medications, exercise therapy, or casts and splints.
If surgery is necessary, the surgeon will explain the procedure to the patient, and answer any questions he or she might have. Common surgical procedures include carpal tunnel release, knee and hip replacement, spinal fusion, rotator cuff repair, and fracture repair. The work performed by orthopedic surgeons may involve using screws, wires, and pins to set bones into proper alignment, or replacing joints with prosthetic devices.
One of the most common procedures is arthroscopic surgery, which is usually performed on the knee or shoulder. The surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin, and inserts a compact instrument containing a lens and lighting system. By watching a television attached to this device, the surgeon can then see inside the joint. Sometimes arthroscopic surgery is used to assess the damage to the joint, in preparation for standard surgery. In other cases surgeons can correct the problem during the arthroscopic procedure, through the use of instruments designed to fit through small incisions.
Although many orthopedic surgeons work as generalists, others specialize in a particular area of orthopedics. For instance, many surgeons focus on working with a specific part of the musculoskeletal system, such as the spine, hand, or foot and ankle. Other areas of subspecialty include sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, and pediatric orthopedics.
NOC Code: 3111