Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedics is a field of medicine that primarily focuses on ailments and conditions that affect our musculoskeletal system, and an orthopedic surgeon is a physician who specializes in treating our musculoskeletal system, namely the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
An orthopedic surgeon can perform invasive treatments like joint replacement for joints that have become damaged or diseased, like knee replacement and hip replacement procedures. They can also perform internal fixation procedures involving placements of pins, screws, plates, and rods to help hold any broken bone in place while they heal. Orthopedic surgeons also perform osteotomy, which involves cutting a part of a bone and repositioning it, and soft tissue repair for extreme damage in muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Not all orthopedic doctors are surgeons, only those who specialize in surgery.
Education and training of an orthopedic surgeon in the U.S.
To become an orthopedic surgeon in the U.S., one would need to go through a minimum of 13 years of education and practice, which includes four years of bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school. After this, doctors have to undertake five years of a residency program and two years of practice in the medical field.
Doctors must clear the final exam to officially become orthopedic surgeons recognized by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. They may also choose to apply for fellowships and specialize in particular areas of orthopedics. Some of the most popular specializations include sports medicine, hand surgery, and joint replacement.
What is the difference between orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic specialists?
Orthopedic doctors are commonly referred to as "orthopedic surgeons," but not all orthopedic specialists perform surgery. Whether surgical or not, orthopedic specialists are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat orthopedic conditions using non-invasive methods. Their ability to perform surgery doesn't require application; many reputable orthopedic specialists prioritize advanced non-surgical techniques. These can be minimally invasive procedures or computer-assisted treatments utilizing a patient's cells for cartilage repair.
Orthopedic specialists typically play a central role in a patient's orthopedic care plan. They evaluate the patient's condition, provide treatment options, and help determine the most suitable course of action, whether surgical or non-surgical.
Non-surgical orthopedists are often an excellent starting point, particularly when a clear diagnosis is lacking. Many orthopedic conditions, including up to 70% of sports-related injuries, can be effectively managed without surgery. If surgery becomes a consideration, they direct patients to orthopedic surgeons.
For cases where surgery is a potential course of action, consulting with an orthopedic surgeon early in the diagnostic and treatment process can streamline the evaluation and decision-making process.
When should you visit an orthopedic surgeon?
If you face any discomfort related to bones, joints, and muscles, consult an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. In case of any injury in your joints, bones, muscles, or ligaments, or if your body hurts during movements and your range of motion diminishes, you must consult an orthopedic surgeon immediately. An orthopedic surgeon can treat ruptured ligaments, broken tendons, and broken bones that require more than a cast, perform knee and hip arthroplasties, and treat spine injury or hip fractures due to osteoporosis.
You can consult an orthopedic surgeon in cases of severe arthritis and bursitis, chronic muscle and joint pain issues, and benign tumors. Orthopedic surgeons treat cancerous tumors, including those resulting from sarcomas and those that spread to the bones. Blood cancers such as multiple myeloma, which weakens bones, should also be treated under the care of an orthopedic surgeon.
What should one expect during a visit to an orthopedic surgeon?
When preparing to visit an orthopedic surgeon near you, arriving about 15 minutes early is advisable. This extra time allows for completing any necessary forms, although you can inquire with the office about the possibility of filling out forms in advance to streamline the process.
Inside the examination room, a healthcare team member, often an orthopedic specialist, athletic trainer, or nurse practitioner, will engage with you extensively. They will discuss your symptoms in detail, delve into your medical history, and conduct a thorough physical examination.
Throughout the examination, the healthcare provider will inquire about the specific nature of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will explore the various methods you've used to manage your symptoms and ask about any prior treatments you may have attempted. Additionally, they will request that you perform certain activities, such as walking, raising your arms, and bending, to assess how your condition impacts your range of motion and functionality. If you have had previous X-rays and test results, they will review these and, if necessary, arrange for an X-ray.
You may also meet a resident or fellow pursuing advanced training in orthopedic medicine during your visit. These medical professionals may participate in your evaluation, contributing to the overall care you receive and ensuring a comprehensive assessment of your condition.
Who is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, and what do they treat?
Pediatric orthopedics is a subspecialty of orthopedic medicine that deals with diagnosing, treating, and managing musculoskeletal conditions in children and adolescents up to 18 years of age. Since children’s bodies keep growing and developing until they reach physical maturity, their musculoskeletal system is different compared to adults. As a result, their conditions also differ, with the most common ones being:
- Clubfoot: It is one of the most common congenital abnormalities in which one or both feet twist inwards abnormally. While it does not cause any pain or discomfort initially, if left untreated, it can make it difficult to walk.
- Limb length discrepancy: It is a condition characterized by unequal length of legs or arms. It can cause gait abnormalities, joint pain, back pain, and problems with performing daily activities.
- Scoliosis: Often occurring just before puberty, scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways, leading to uneven shoulders and waist, back pain, and muscle spasms.
- Fractures: As children’s bones keep developing until they grow up, accidents, falls, or sports-related activities commonly cause fractures.
- Juvenile arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease affecting children aged 16 years or younger. It causes symptoms such as swollen and painful joints, eye inflammation, fatigue, slow growth, and poor appetite.
- Musculoskeletal infections: Osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and pyomyositis are some infections affecting the bones, muscles, or joints. Common symptoms include movement difficulties, fever, pain and swelling.
- Sports injuries: Children who engage in sports activities may experience common injuries such as sprains, strains, tendonitis, bursitis, concussions, dislocations, and lacerations.
- Cerebral palsy: Cerebral palsy affects movement, balance, coordination, posture, and muscle tone. It happens due to damage to the developing brain before, during, or shortly after birth.
- Spina bifida: It is a congenital disability in which the baby’s spinal cord does not develop or close properly before birth. It can result in various health complications, including paralysis, learning disabilities, brain infection, frequent urinary tract infections, and urinary and bowel incontinence.
If your child's symptoms don’t resolve with the prescribed treatment plan, your pediatrician will likely refer you to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon near you.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a rheumatic health condition that damages the joints in your body. Some joints naturally wear down with age. Many people develop arthritis due to regular wear and tear. Some types of arthritis develop as a result of joint injury. Certain medical issues can also cause arthritis. Arthritis can damage any joint in the body but most commonly affects the following body parts:
- Hands and wrists
- Knees
- Hips
- Ankle and feet
- Shoulders
- Lumbar spine (lower back)
A healthcare provider will assist you in identifying and managing symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Individuals with severe arthritis may need to undergo surgery to replace the afflicted joints.
Types of arthritis
The type of arthritis and the joints it affects will determine where you experience the symptoms in your body. The following are the different types of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: One of the most common types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a chronic ailment affecting the joints, especially the ones that bear weight, such as the knee, hip, and spine. It damages the coating on the ends of bones (cartilage) and reduces joint space. It can also lead to bone overgrowth, bone spurs, and reduced mobility. Most people experience this as they age, but it may also happen in young people due to an accident or overuse.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This inflammatory condition affects the linings of joints, potentially affecting multiple joints throughout the body. It can also harm organs, including the heart and lungs.
- Gout: It is an ailment in which uric acid crystals accumulate in tiny joints, such as the big toe, causing discomfort and inflammation.
- Lupus: It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that inflames and damages joints, tendons, and organs.
- Scleroderma: It is an inflammatory condition that thickens and hardens the skin and other connective tissues in the body.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes the spinal bones to grow together. It may also induce inflammation in other areas of the body. It can impact the shoulders, hips, ribs, and tiny joints in the hands and feet.
How do I find the best orthopedic surgeons near me in El Paso, Texas?
We all want to be treated by the best physicians, and Zocdoc is here to make it easy to access the best available medical care in just a few clicks. All you have to do is create a free account on Zocdoc and enter all relevant details, like the kind of doctor you wish to consult in your area, as well as other necessary information, like the preferred appointment date and your insurance details. You can further sort the results according to gender, hospital affiliations, languages spoken, and the insurance accepted.
All doctors listed on Zocdoc have dedicated profiles that include their educational qualifications, expertise, experience, board certifications, affiliations, licenses, etc. Moreover, you can also read the verified reviews by past patients to make an informed choice. Once you have chosen a doctor, you can fix an appointment with just a few clicks.
When choosing an in-network provider, you can be assured about the security of your health insurance. Zocdoc adheres to industry best practices when safeguarding your information. You can read more about Zocdoc's data and privacy practices here. You can also reach out to Zocdoc's patient help center for any insurance-related questions.
On Zocdoc, you can book in-person and online appointments with an orthopedic surgeon near you. In addition, you can also book appointments on weekends and after 5 p.m., depending on the doctor's availability.
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Statistics on orthopedic surgeons and arthritis in Texas and the U.S.
Per the United States Bone and Joint Initiative, more than one out of every two (aged 18 and over) and around three out of four (aged 65 and over) persons living in the U.S. are affected by musculoskeletal diseases. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 14,820 orthopedic surgeons were employed and practicing in the U.S. in May 2023. Around 570 orthopedic surgeons (except pediatricians) were practicing in Texas during the same period.
According to Zippia, in 2021, around 65.9% of all orthopedic surgeons were women, whereas the remaining were men. The average age of an employed orthopedic surgeon practicing in the U.S. is 49 years old. As per Definitive Healthcare, surgeons performed around 1.4 million knee and hip arthroplasties in the U.S. in 2022 alone.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), the prevalence of arthritis in the state of Texas is between around 17.23% and 21.54%. More women (≈23.02% to ≈25.68%) are affected by arthritis in the state than men (≈17.23% to ≈21.54%). Moreover, arthritis causes work-related limitations in over 38.9% of those affected. In addition, over 20.7% of people affected by arthritis experience social participation restrictions. Nearly 32% of those with arthritis report having experienced severe joint pain.
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
United States Bone and Joint Initiative
Zippia
U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics
Definitive Healthcare
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Penn Medicine
University of Utah Health
Cleveland Clinic
Johns Hopkins Medicine
