Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedics is a field of medicine devoted to treating various ailments of the musculoskeletal system, which comprises the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Orthopedic surgeons are healthcare experts trained in this medical specialty and employ surgical or non-surgical procedures to treat disorders or injuries. Their practice focuses on diagnosing, treating, and assisting with rehabilitation for musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, chronic pain, infections, spine diseases, congenital disorders, tumors, etc.
Aspiring doctors complete a 5-year residency program in orthopedics to practice as surgeons. During their practice, they develop surgical skills and innovative abilities to provide treatment plans and strategies for various conditions. After residency, these doctors take an official exam conducted by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, after which they are board-certified.
Additionally, following residency, many doctors prefer to enroll in a fellowship in specific orthopedic subspecialties like pediatric orthopedics, rheumatology, orthopedic oncology, sports medicine, etc. These fellowships usually take an additional two years to complete.
When to see an orthopedic surgeon?
A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services report asserts that approximately one out of every seven American adults experiences an orthopedic problem at some point. It's common to endure discomfort in the joints, muscles, or bones, given their crucial role in everyday mobility and functionality. However, symptoms may manifest differently in different people and have various underlying causes; hence, a professional must evaluate any pain or discomfort. Here are a few issues that warrant a visit to an orthopedic surgeon near you:
- Reduced range of movement: If you experience difficulty or reduced power in movement or feel unsteady while walking or standing, you may need to visit your specialist.
- Muscle or ligament sprain: The body has around 1,000 ligaments, and the chances of them stretching, partially, or wholly tearing are high. These sprains vary based on the severity or grade of the injury. You may require medical attention in severe pain or concurrent joint dislocation. If your symptoms persist or worsen after 24-48 hours, you may need immediate medical care.
- Increased pain or swelling: When pain persists for more than four days and does not reduce even with over-the-counter meds, visit your doctor. They can manage acute, chronic, dull, and sharp pain and provide a treatment plan based on your condition.
- Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone's integrity. They are the most common orthopedic complaints caused by accidents, injuries, or aging. They manifest as pain, swelling, and decreased movement. Consulting an orthopedic surgeon in time will help heal the fracture quickly and help restore functioning.
Two things you need to know about orthopedic surgeons
With over 200 bones in the body, orthopedics is a highly in-demand specialty, and it's ever-growing. Dislocated bones, hip pain, arthritis, and acute or chronic degenerative disorders all fall under the purview of this specialization. New subspecialties in orthopedics have emerged due to the vastness of this field. It allows doctors to practice with greater accuracy and precision. The abundance of these sub-specialized orthopedic surgeons can lead to doubts and questions like which specialist to visit and how to find one who's an excellent fit for you.
What is the distinction between an orthopedic specialist and an orthopedic surgeon?
While all orthopedic surgeons are specialists, not all orthopedic specialists are surgeons. A specialist is qualified to assess, diagnose, treat, and provide rehabilitation for disorders using noninvasive techniques and medication. They often resort to advanced non-surgical treatments backed by robust healthcare systems. Surgery is only sometimes recommended to patients; doctors focus on evaluating each condition and determining the needs before offering treatment options.
Should you see a surgeon or a specialist?
If you are yet to receive a diagnosis, visiting a non-surgical orthopedist is a great starting point. They can treat most orthopedic conditions without surgery, and if the doctor advises surgical treatment, they will refer you to a surgeon best suited to you. Additionally, even your primary care physician (PCP) can refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if necessary.
However, if you already have received a precise diagnosis for your condition, you should seek out an orthopedic surgeon directly.
What is the role of a pediatric orthopedic surgeon?
A pediatric orthopedic surgeon is the most qualified and experienced provider for evaluating and treating musculoskeletal (bone, joint, or muscle) disorders in growing children. They usually work at specialty pediatric hospitals to ensure that children suffering from various medical conditions receive the multidisciplinary care they require from various pediatric specialists.
Education and training of orthopedic surgeons
These surgeons specialize in providing care and treatment to children. Through advanced training and hands-on practice, they understand the particular characteristics of pediatric medical and surgical care.
They have the following education and training:
- Completion of a four-year medical program with accreditation
- Completion of an orthopedic surgery residency program (usually five years)
- One year of extra specialty training in pediatric orthopedics, pediatric spinal deformities, or both
What are the non-surgical treatments for orthopedic conditions?
The most common orthopedic injuries, such as sprains, strains, and simple fractures, can often be managed without surgical intervention. Similarly, arthritis, the leading cause of orthopedic pain, frequently responds well to non-surgical treatment methods.
Opting for non-surgical orthopedic treatments entails fewer risks and yields favorable outcomes for orthopedic injuries. Surgery is usually a last resort when non-surgical interventions prove ineffective. Orthopedic surgeons typically prefer to postpone surgery for as long as feasible.
Here are several common non-surgical orthopedic treatments that can effectively address orthopedic injuries or conditions:
- Medications: Orthopedic surgeons may prescribe medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, including over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs like anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants.
- Orthotics: In cases of foot and ankle injuries, your physician might suggest orthotic solutions such as braces, splints, or personalized insoles designed to suit your foot and injury. These supportive devices can help alleviate orthopedic pain in your lower extremities.
- Viscosupplementation: Viscosupplementation is commonly employed to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms by injecting hyaluronic acid directly into painful joints. Osteoarthritis often results in diminished joint synovial fluid levels, leading to discomfort. Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant, providing much-needed relief from arthritis-related pain.
- Steroid injections: When oral medications prove ineffective, administering steroid injections directly into the affected joint or area becomes viable. This treatment can relieve pain and inflammation, with effects lasting several months.
- Nerve blocks: Orthopedic surgeons can perform nerve blocks for nerve-related pain disorders by injecting anesthetics or anti-inflammatory medications around the nerves responsible for the pain, providing temporary relief.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy is fundamental to numerous orthopedic treatment plans. Physical therapists collaborate with patients to create customized exercises and stretches to improve their condition by boosting strength, increasing range of motion, improving mobility, and enhancing flexibility. These exercises not only relieve pain but also promote long-term recovery.
How is pediatric orthopedic surgery different from adult orthopedic surgery?
Children have different orthopedic surgery needs than adults since they are growing and their bodies are constantly developing and changing. Most adults undergo surgery to get care and treatment for injuries or degenerative joint diseases. Children need orthopedic surgery to heal injuries such as broken bones or ruptured tendons. Also, many of the children who visit orthopedic surgeons have congenital disabilities that require specialized care.
Most orthopedic procedures in adults are straightforward. However, pediatric orthopedic surgeries can be more complex. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons consider each child's specific situation and the growth the child still has before deciding on the best treatment.
Pediatric orthopedic procedures
Pediatric orthopedic procedures can address a wide range of orthopedic disorders in children. Scoliosis, kyphosis, fractures, tumors, injuries, diseases, bone abnormalities, and congenital disorders are typical examples of such conditions.
Splinting, casting, bracing, and orthotics are noninvasive pediatric orthopedic procedures. Since children's bones are still growing, pediatric orthopedic surgeons exercise extreme caution when operating on or near a growth plate. While surgery is inherently invasive, several minimally invasive procedures can help children recover faster and spend less time in the hospital.
What are the risk factors for any orthopedic surgery complications?
Specific factors can increase the risks of experiencing difficulties during or after any orthopedic surgery. These risk factors include:
- Age: Individuals over the age of 60 have higher odds of developing complications such as pneumonia or blood clots post-surgery.
- Diabetes: Those with poorly controlled diabetes face an increased risk of infection and may experience delayed wound healing following surgical procedures.
- Estrogen from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives: The presence of estrogen from HRT or oral contraceptives is linked to an increased chance of blood clots.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension can increase the chance of forming blood clots and getting infected after surgery.
- Obesity: Being obese has been associated with a higher incidence of infection following surgical operations.
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes can lead to an increased risk of complications, particularly in orthopedic surgeries.
Awareness of these risk factors is necessary for patients and healthcare providers to plan and manage surgical care effectively.
How can you improve your orthopedic health?
You can prevent severe orthopedic issues by making a few easy dietary and lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a balanced weight: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases by 36% for every 10 pounds you gain. The additional weight that obesity places on your joints can weaken your muscles and increase your risk of injury.
- Get regular checkups: One good way to monitor your orthopedic health is to visit your primary care physician once every year. An orthopedic checkup is crucial for older adults, who are more likely to get injured and develop arthritis. A primary care physician can review additional preventive measures to safeguard your orthopedic and general health.
- Build your core strength: Strong core muscles can help quickly balance your body weight, and yoga and pilates are two effective forms of exercise for building core strength and improving orthopedic health.
- Keep it moving: Stretching, walking, swimming, and biking on level ground are all beneficial exercises for everyone, including those with some orthopedic conditions. Avoid activities like deep knee bends to keep your joints healthy. However, no matter your age, you should continue building muscle.
Find the best orthopedic surgeon near you in Boca Raton, Florida
Once you know the difference between a surgeon and a specialist, the next step is to look for a doctor who meets your needs and requirements. To find an orthopedic surgeon who can provide you with the most holistic treatment options, you must register for an account on Zocdoc. Once registered, the website will present you with an advanced search box.
The filter options allow you to add details about your symptoms, doctor's specialization, preferred location, date, procedure, or insurance carrier and plan. If you can't find your medical insurance plan on Zocdoc, upload a photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will automatically scan the image and display the most suitable plan for you. This feature isn't available for dental or vision insurance cards. If you face any issues while uploading the image, don't hesitate to contact Zocdoc's service team for assistance. Additionally, you can check out Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to any further insurance-related queries.
When you click the search option, a comprehensive list of all the orthopedic surgeons near you will appear on the screen. You will see the number of providers, along with their unique profiles. By viewing their profile, you can read about their academic qualifications, medical experience, research interests, type of appointment, languages they speak, and gender.
Moreover, every patient can leave a rating or a review. The verified reviews are organized based on recency, and you should consider looking at them to help make an informed decision. You can book an appointment seamlessly once you finalize the best orthopedic surgeon near you.
All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, free, and secure!
Orthopedic and arthritis statistics in Boca Raton, Florida
According to a quantitative report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in four adults in the U.S. has arthritis. Of these, 24 million people experience difficulty in daily activities due to this condition. Statistics showed that the pain could decrease by nearly 40% with increased physical activity. Moreover, among these adults, 49% also had heart disease, and around one in four adults also had severe joint pain.
According to a report by America’s Health Rankings, as of 2022, 28.4% of adults in Florida had been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. The numbers were higher among women (31.8%) than men (24.8%) in the state. The report also stated that the highest number of arthritis patients were over 65 (52.0%).
According to another report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), the estimated employment of orthopedic surgeons in the United States was around 14,820. The report also stated that Florida had 1,140 orthopedic surgeons during this period, the third-highest in the country.
Sources
WebMD
Mayo Clinic
University of Utah[1]
University of Utah[2]
Penn Medicine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
America’s Health Rankings
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Johns Hopkins Medicine
OrthoInfo
Corewell Health
All-Star Orthopedics of Austin
Aurora Health Care
UC Davis Health
