Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedics is a medical field that deals with diseases and conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and nerves. People usually visit an orthopedic surgeon with an injury or a chronic disorder like arthritis or lower back pain.
Orthopedic surgeons are medical providers who diagnose and treat various medical conditions affecting the nerves, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The surgeons also assist patients with rehabilitation to regain their movement, strength, range of motion, and flexibility after an injury or surgery. Furthermore, the experts develop preventive strategies to avoid injuries or prevent chronic conditions from worsening.
Although orthopedic surgeons know all parts of the musculoskeletal system, some specialize in subspecialty areas such as the spine, hand, shoulder, elbow, hip and knee, sports medicine, foot and ankle, and trauma surgery.
Educational and training requirements for an orthopedic surgeon
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is a challenging journey that requires extensive education and training. In the country, an orthopedist must complete a rigorous 14-year program, including a four-year undergraduate program at a college or university and four years of medical school. After that, an individual must complete a five-year residency focused on orthopedics, followed by a one-year fellowship to subspecialize in one of the areas listed above.
To achieve proficiency in orthopedics, an orthopedic doctor must pass a rigorous certifying examination conducted by either the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery. After becoming board-certified, orthopedic surgeons must renew their certification every ten years by completing continuing education courses and exams.
When should you see female orthopedic surgeons near you?
You may need to see an orthopedic surgeon if you are experiencing:
- Persistent pain or swelling in bones, joints, or muscles that don't respond to at-home care.
- A significant decline in mobility or range of motion of a joint.
- Trouble performing your day-to-day activities.
- Nerve-related signs and symptoms include tingling, a "pins and needles" sensation, or numbness.
- A bone or joint injury that needs a specialist's attention.
What to expect from an orthopedic surgery?
Here is what you can expect before, during, and after orthopedic surgery.
Before your orthopedic surgery, your doctor conducts a physical examination and orders diagnostic tests. The tests could include X-rays, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging scans. The results of the tests help the doctors determine the best treatment plan for your condition. You may also need to complete blood work so your doctor can ensure that no underlying conditions could affect your recovery. Your doctor discusses the anesthesia that will be used during the procedure. The provider may prescribe medicines to help manage pain and make your recovery more comfortable. Your doctor also advises you if there are any medications you need to stop taking before surgery.
The exact procedure of your surgery depends on the type of orthopedic surgery you have, whether it is internal fixation, external fixation, arthroscopic tendon repair, or joint replacement. Talk to your orthopedic surgeon about what the procedure involves and what technique and approach will be used. Although orthopedic surgery is invasive, it can be carried out with minimal disruption to the nearby healthy tissues, which is known as minimally invasive surgery. For example, some surgeons use robotic-assisted technology to perform joint replacements with greater accuracy, improving knee joint longevity and reducing the risk of complications such as implant failure or loosening. It is essential for you to fully understand your procedure and any advanced techniques that will be used to help achieve the best outcome.
Once your orthopedic surgery is complete, rehabilitation begins. You will receive detailed instructions, but be sure to ask questions if anything is unclear. A successful recovery heavily relies on post-operative care, including physical therapy and rehabilitation. Recovery time can last from a few weeks to months, depending on the type of surgery. Avoid high-impact and strenuous activities during this period. Take frequent breaks during the day to avoid straining the repaired tissues. Rest plays a key role in healing. You can manage post-operative pain with medication and physical therapy exercises. Always check with your orthopedic doctor before trying new activities to avoid compromising your treatment.
What factors can impact recovery after orthopedic surgery?
The duration of the recovery period is a matter of concern, regardless of the underlying cause for which the surgery was performed. The reason for the surgery could be to address a sports injury or to alleviate the pain caused by persistent wear and tear. In either case, a robust and active body, a healthy and committed mental outlook, and proper nutrition can significantly aid recovery. Several key factors may influence the recovery time following an orthopedic surgery, including:
- Age and physical health: A patient's overall health and self-care habits are crucial in recovery. Younger patients in excellent or average physical shape typically experience a shorter and smoother recovery than those with chronic symptoms. A comparatively higher Body Mass Index (BMI) or sedentary lifestyle could also lengthen recovery. The leading reason is that a patient's age affects the quality of their body tissue and bone health, which is essential for a successful recovery.
- Mental preparedness and expectations: In some cases, individuals may be mentally prepared for surgery before their body is physically ready. The level of mental preparedness can help facilitate the recovery process. Patients dealing with chronic pain are often more receptive to surgery as they seek it to address their injury or joint replacement. Additionally, mentally preparing oneself for the time it will take to heal the body is crucial, as recovery may take several weeks or even up to a year.
- Commitment to recovery: A patient's recovery journey begins once they leave the operating room. A comprehensive recovery plan must include therapy, which is a critical component. An individual's commitment to post-surgery treatment will significantly impact their recovery time.
What are some common conditions treated by orthopedic surgeons?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the wrist joint is overused, and pressure on the nerve in the wrist leads to strain. They may also recommend a splint, over-the-counter pain medications, or steroids. If these methods do not provide relief, they may suggest carpal tunnel release surgery. During this procedure, they will cut a ligament in your wrist to reduce pressure on the nerve and surrounding muscles, creating more space.
Hip dysplasia is when the hip socket doesn't develop properly, causing pain and difficulty walking. It is often present from birth. Treatments depend on the individual's age and the severity of the condition. Orthopedic doctors may recommend braces for babies and children or a periacetabular osteotomy for young adults. This process requires the surgeon to create minor incisions in the bone to alter the shape of the hip socket. Another option is arthroscopy, where a small camera is inserted through a tiny surgical cut on the hip to allow the surgeon to examine the hip socket and make minor repairs. For older individuals, a hip replacement might be necessary.
It is a condition of the bones that causes them to weaken, typically due to aging, which increases the risk of fractures. Treatment by an orthopedist may involve medication, vitamin supplements, and physical therapy.
Sciatica is the term for pain in the nerves of the lower back and upper legs. This pain can occur due to compression or inflammation of the nerves. It can often be managed at home using ice, heat, over-the-counter medications, and stretching exercises. However, severe or long-lasting cases may require treatment such as medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, or, in some cases, surgery.
How do you find top-rated female orthopedic surgeons?
If you have an injury or want to reduce the pain and hindrance caused by long-standing joint wear and tear, an orthopedic surgeon can help you with the best rehabilitation plan. However, finding one that suits your requirements and practices can be challenging. But worry not; Zocdoc can help you find one of the best female orthopedic surgeons near you with just a few clicks.
You can search by entering your location, doctor's specialty, symptoms, insurance, and preferred appointment date. You can add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account. However, you can only search for and schedule appointments using one insurance plan at a time. If you have multiple insurance plans, you can include details about your secondary carrier and plan in your notes for the provider during the final step of the booking process. If your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can input information about your secondary insurance when you complete the forms online. If you have more insurance-related queries, visit Zocdoc's help center to learn more.
The results will display an extensive list of the most suitable orthopedic surgeons. At Zocdoc, fostering transparency to help users make informed decisions is of utmost value. Thus, each healthcare professional has a personalized profile that includes their educational qualifications, expertise, accreditations, experience, board certifications, etc. You can further filter these profiles based on gender (you can specifically look for male or female orthopedic surgeons near you), language, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children.
Reading verified ratings and reviews from prior patients can also help you find the right fit. Once you have chosen the best orthopedic surgeon for your requirements, you can book an in-person or online appointment based on the doctor's availability.
All bookings with Zocdoc are safe, secure, and free!
Stats on physical health
The findings published by The Mesothelioma Center have shed light on the alarming prevalence of chronic pain in the country. Shockingly, over 50 million adults are affected by this debilitating condition, which costs the nation a staggering $635 billion annually. Unfortunately, this number is only expected to rise in the coming years due to various factors, such as an aging population, an increase in diabetic patients, and higher cancer survival rates.
It's important to note that chronic pain isn't just a minor inconvenience - it can have a profound impact on a person's ability to work and enjoy life. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 8% of adults suffer from high-impact chronic pain, and around 84% of these individuals are unable to work outside of their homes. Globally, chronic pain is the primary cause of disability and disease burden. Raising awareness and investing in research can help those with chronic pain lead happier lives.
On a more positive note, the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report (2023) released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that there are currently around 14,820 orthopedic surgeons practicing in the country, excluding those specializing in pediatrics. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, only 7.4% of practicing orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. were female in 2022.
According to the 2021 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Data Sheet created by the National SCI Statistical Center, the annual incidence of SCI in the country is approximately 54 cases per one million people. The statistics mean there are about 17,900 new SCI cases each year in the current population of 331 million. It is worth noting that about 78% of the new SCI cases are men. The estimated number of people suffering from SCI in the country is approximately 296,000, ranging from 252,000 to 373,000.
In 2022, the CDC reported that fibromyalgia, a condition that leads to body pain, affects over 4 million adults, which is nearly 2% of the adult population. Although the cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, it can be effectively treated and managed.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
Healthline
National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center
OrthoTexas
The Mesothelioma Center
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Journal of Pain
National Center for Biotechnology Information
WebMD
Advanced Orthopedics New England
