Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons are medical professionals who diagnose and treat various musculoskeletal issues. They are also known as orthopedists. Musculoskeletal issues are conditions, diseases, and abnormalities that affect your bones, cartilage, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons. Common issues orthopedic surgeons treat are arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, tendinitis, sports injuries, sprains, strains, and congenital disabilities like clubfoot and hip dysplasia. Orthopedic surgeons can help you if you suffer from pain and mobility problems resulting from musculoskeletal issues. They can help you treat your situation and provide rehabilitation post-treatment.
Aspiring orthopedic surgeons must complete at least 13 years of education. They must begin with an undergraduate degree in a medicine-related field and follow it with medical school. Next, they must undergo a five-year-long residency in orthopedic surgery at a recognized medical institution. Although not mandatory, some aspiring orthopedic surgeons opt for one year of education within an orthopedic subspecialty at this stage. Post-residency, aspiring orthopedic surgeons must practice in the field for at least two years and clear a final exam to receive the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery's official recognition.
What is the difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon?
Although rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating musculoskeletal diseases, they are different specialties. Knowing the differences between the two is essential to make an informed choice.
The primary differentiating factor between the two specialties is the scope of medication. Orthopedic surgeons perform surgery, while rheumatologists do not. Orthopedic surgeons focus on congenital and degenerative issues like ACL tears. Rheumatologists treat conditions stemming from a systemic disease affecting your entire body, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inherited disorders.
Orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists often work together on your musculoskeletal issue. More so in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, your rheumatologist might provide technical information on the disease and its treatment plan, while your orthopedic surgeon may help with surgical intervention, ensuring comprehensive care.
Orthopedic care for children
Since children are still growing and developing, their bodies may not respond to musculoskeletal diseases, injuries, and deformities, the way an adult's body does. Children can also have many unique bone and joint conditions that may not be found in adults. Therefore, such conditions require specialty care. Consider visiting a pediatric orthopedic surgeon if your child is experiencing bone, joint, or spine issues.
A pediatric orthopedic surgeon treats a broad range of issues in infants, adolescents, and teenagers. Some of these include:
- Limb and spine deformities (for example, clubfoot and scoliosis)
- Fractured limbs
- Bone and joint infections
- Gait abnormalities such as limping
- Bone tumors
- Bone cancer
- Juvenile arthritis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Ankle and foot injuries
Besides being skilled in surgically treating several musculoskeletal conditions, pediatric orthopedic surgeons are experienced in working with children and know how to evaluate them in a way that they feel comfortable. They also make use of medical equipment specifically designed for children. Most pediatric surgeons have offices, examination rooms, and waiting rooms equipped with toys, videos, and reading materials. Furthermore, they know how to communicate effectively with concerned family members.
A pediatric orthopedic surgeon's physical examination of a patient depends on their age and specific symptoms. Since younger children may be unable to explain their symptoms accurately, they often encourage parents or guardians to participate in the evaluation process. For example, parents with nervous infants may be instructed to hold their babies in their laps and engage in various maneuvers while the surgeon assesses them.
Depending on the severity of the condition, your surgeon may or may not recommend surgery. Some fractures and conditions like hip dysplasia or clubfoot can be treated with casting and bracing. The surgeon may also recommend other treatment options along with surgery, such as supportive devices and physical therapy.
What to expect during your first orthopedic surgeon appointment?
During your first visit to an orthopedic surgeon near you, your doctor will discuss your symptoms, inquire about your medical history, and try to understand your lifestyle. Your orthopedic surgeon might ask for your previous tests, like an X-ray, to understand your case's history. They might ask if you usually exercise or indulge in physical activities to detect the cause of your illness or injury.
Your orthopedic surgeon can also conduct a physical exam. One part of this might be your ability to move the affected joint in specific ways. They might order new imaging studies to understand the present status of your injury. Some conditions need imaging, like a CT scan or an MRI, for detailed views of the affected area. When your condition has been diagnosed, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend therapies to reduce the symptoms.
Surgery is recommended mainly for specific orthopedic trauma or congenital conditions. Orthopedic surgeons can also use nonsurgical techniques first. Such therapies are naturally less impactful than surgeries and may require more time to heal your issue. Your plan may include using devices to hold bones or joints in a specific position and aid healing. Examples of such devices are braces, slings, casts, and splints. Joint injections may be used for conditions like tennis elbow.
The duration of your orthopedic treatment plan depends on the severity and complexity of your problem. If needed, your orthopedic surgeon will prepare a detailed follow-up plan and schedule for your case.
What are the risks of orthopedic surgery?
Although rare, almost every surgical procedure comes with some risks and complications. Orthopedic surgical procedures are highly effective and safe. However, before surgery, you can expect your orthopedic surgeon to explain to you the possible risks, some of which include:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness in the joints
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Hip dislocation after total hip replacement surgery
Best practices to ensure your orthopedic health
Orthopedic issues affect the joints, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can become a massive hurdle in your daily life, from being unable to play sports or run to not being able to crouch or take the stairs; these issues can get pretty extreme.
Rather than rushing to an orthopedic doctor near you and spending loads of money on treatment, prevention is better than taking such hassles. Maintaining your orthopedic health is crucial to living an active and healthy lifestyle with nothing holding you back. The following practices and tips will help you enhance your orthopedic strength and diminish the chances of an orthopedic issue.
- Exercise - Staying active and getting regular physical activity is key to maintaining your orthopedic health. Just 150 minutes of weekly exercise or physical activity is enough to keep you in shape. It would be best if you also tried to mix up your exercise routine by involving jogging, yoga, cycling, etc.
- Balanced diet - Your diet significantly impacts weight, body composition, and overall health. Excessive consumption of processed foods, sugar, alcohol, sodium, and empty calories often leads to obesity, cardiovascular issues, increased cancer risk, and other health concerns. It's important to include foods high in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and antioxidants for optimal orthopedic health.
- Stay hydrated - Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining optimal orthopedic health. Drinking plenty of water ensures proper joint lubrication and supports overall bodily function.
- Ergonomics - Many people develop work-related musculoskeletal problems due to poor ergonomics. Incorrect posture, lack of lumbar support, and improper arm and wrist alignment can lead to various orthopedic issues, such as body and joint pains and carpal tunnel syndrome. With the increasing number of individuals working from home, either full-time or part-time, it's essential to make sure that your home office setup promotes healthy posture. Here are some tips to follow when working in an office environment:
- Position your monitor at eye level.
- Keep your neck and head aligned.
- Maintain proper arm positioning and elbow angle.
- Ensure your wrists are flat and in a neutral position.
- Keep your feet flat on the ground.
- Use a chair with adequate lumbar support.
Find the best orthopedic surgeons near you in Edison, NJ
Zocdoc can help you find the top-rated orthopedic surgeons in Edison, New Jersey. Enter your location, specialty (orthopedic surgeons), and preferred appointment date. You can filter specialists based on gender, hospital affiliations, and whether they treat children. If you wish to consult an orthopedic specialist for your child, Zocdoc can help you find qualified pediatric orthopedic surgeons near you in Edison, NJ.
Every orthopedic surgeon has a dedicated profile on Zocdoc, where you can view their educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical interests, specializations, practice history, certifications, and spoken languages. You can also check the verified patient reviews to help you make an informed decision.
Zocdoc also helps make your insurance submission process hassle-free by letting you filter orthopedic surgeons according to those who accept your plan. Add your insurance carrier's name in the search query to utilize the feature. If unsure about your insurance plan, Zocdoc's insurance detector can help you. You can use Zocdoc's insurance card capture feature to submit your medical insurance information pre-appointment.
Once you select the best orthopedic surgeon for your case, you must click on the book appointment option, and Zocdoc will assist you in instantly booking an appointment for your first session. Zocdoc also allows you to book video appointments along with in-person visits. Look for the purple video icon on your doctor's profile, or filter the video appointment selection.
All bookings with Zocdoc are entirely free, fast, and secure.
Statistics on arthritis in New Jersey
According to the State of New Jersey Department of Health Services, arthritis affects over 1.5 million New Jersey residents yearly. It is thus the state's leading cause of disability.
Approximately 78% of those diagnosed with arthritis by a medical practitioner do not receive any treatment. Almost 50% of those diagnosed are unaware of what type of arthritis they have.
As per America's Health Rankings, about 20.9% of New Jersey residents had arthritis in 2020, compared to 24.5% of the general United States population. The 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 statistics stood at 22.9%, 23.9%, 22.9%, and 23.1%, respectively.
Women in New Jersey have a higher rate of arthritis than men. Around 28% of New Jersey women are diagnosed with arthritis by a medical practitioner every year, compared to 20% of men. Over 53% of those 65 years and older in New Jersey have arthritis, compared to 9% of 18 to 44-year-olds and 32% of 45 to 64-year-olds.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic
Healthline
State of New Jersey
United Health Foundation
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Academy of Pediatrics
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Veritas Health
Mid-America Orthopedics
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