Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons help prevent, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal system issues, i.e., those that affect bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They can attend to concerns in different body areas, such as hand, spine, shoulder and elbow, hip and knee, foot and ankle. Some orthopedic surgeons can also choose to subspecialize, becoming pediatric orthopedic surgeons, geriatric orthopedic surgeons, etc.
An orthopedic surgeon typically explores nonsurgical options first, such as pain medication or rehabilitation. They also have the skills needed to perform surgery to repair an injury or heal a condition.
Musculoskeletal system: anatomy and function
The musculoskeletal system, also called the skeletal system, is the body’s essential support system. It gives shape to the body and holds the organs in place. It includes all the bones and lots of other tissues.
The skeletal system is made of the following:
- Bones: Bones serve as the body’s main form of structural support. Adults have between 206 and 213 bones.
- Muscles: Muscles are made of closely woven, stretchy fibers. Adults have over 600 muscles that help them perform every task, from minimal to extreme, such as breathing, digesting food, walking, running, and jumping.
- Cartilage: Cartilage is a tissue. It is strong and flexible and acts like a shock absorber in joints throughout the body.
- Ligaments: Ligaments are tissue bands that connect bones to other bones.
- Tendons: Tendons serve as cords connecting muscles to bone.
- Joints: A joint is any place where two bones meet.
The skeletal system has several functions. Some of them are easier to see and feel than others. But they're all vital to the body and health. The skeletal system’s primary functions include:
- Giving the body a definite shape: The skeleton supports the weight of the body. It's like an anchor for all the tissue that connects to it.
- Helping the movement: The joints, muscles, and connective tissue all work together to push and pull parts of the body every time a movement takes place.
- Protecting the organs: The human skeleton contains organs throughout the body. The skull protects the brain, the ribs safeguard the heart and lungs, and the vertebrae in the spine keep the spinal cord safe.
- Creating new blood cells: The bone marrow at the center of some bones produces new white and red blood cells. These cells are crucial for the body's survival and health.
- Storing minerals: The bones hold the body's supply of important minerals like vitamin D and calcium.
Since the musculoskeletal system is always involved in performing different tasks, it is constantly at risk of developing common health conditions and injuries. Hence, it is essential to take care of it, and if things go wrong, there are professionals like orthopedic surgeons that can help.
Educational and training requirements for an orthopedic surgeon
After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring orthopedic surgeons must attend medical school. This period usually consists of four years of study and involves coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other areas of medicine. Students must also complete clinical rotations, which provide hands-on training in various areas of medicine, including surgery.
Following this, they must complete residency training. Residency programs in orthopedic surgery typically last five years and provide extensive knowledge of surgical techniques and the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. During their residency, trainees work closely with experienced orthopedic surgeons and gain experience in various surgical procedures.
Subsequently, orthopedic surgeons may pursue further training in a specialized area of orthopedics. For example, some may complete a fellowship in sports medicine or joint replacement surgery, and some may even become pediatric orthopedic surgeons and provide child-specific care. This additional training allows them to obtain a specialization in a particular area of orthopedics.
Throughout their education and training, orthopedic surgeons must meet rigorous standards and pass various exams to become licensed practitioners. They must also maintain their knowledge and skills through ongoing education and training. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that orthopedic surgeons possess knowledge of the latest techniques to deliver the best possible treatment to their patients.
What are the common conditions treated by orthopedic surgeons?
Orthopedic surgeons tend to treat all types of musculoskeletal conditions. Seeing an orthopedic surgeon near you is advisable, no matter whether the pain is dull or sharp, chronic or acute. Some standard procedures they can perform and conditions they can treat include:
- Reconstruction or replacement of joints
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Foot and ankle-related injuries
- Fractures
- Hand pain
- Hip fracture
- Knee surgery
- Kyphosis or hunchback
- Limb deformities
- Nerve repair
- Osteoporosis or brittle bones
- Scoliosis or sideways curvature of the spine
- Shoulder surgery
- Spine-related disorders
- Sport injuries
- Tumor surgeries for bone cancer
While you can see general orthopedic surgeons for any of the abovementioned concerns, seeing specialists like pediatric orthopedic surgeons may be more helpful. Your doctor can make referrals to advise you on this if need be.
How to prepare for a visit with an orthopedic surgeon near you?
If you are preparing to visit an orthopedic surgeon, there are several things you can do to help ensure a successful appointment:
- Carry your medical history: Bring relevant medical records, imaging scans, and test results to your appointment. This way, your orthopedic surgeon can holistically comprehend your issue and devise an effective treatment plan with your cooperation.
- Be ready with a list of questions: It would be helpful to write down any questions about your condition, treatment options, or recovery process. It will enable you to make the most of your time with the orthopedic surgeon and ensure that all your concerns get addressed.
- Dress appropriately and comfortably: It is advisable to wear loose, breathable clothing that allows easy movement. It will make it easier for the orthopedic surgeon to access your area of concern, evaluate your condition, and perform any necessary tests or examinations.
- Be prepared to discuss your symptoms: You should describe everything in detail, filling your doctor in on how and when they started. Letting them know of any activities or movements aggravating or alleviating them is also recommended.
What to expect during your first orthopedic appointment?
Meeting an orthopedic surgeon for the first time can be understandably nerve-wracking, especially when you are unsure of what will happen during the appointment. The best way to deal with such stress or anxiety is to call the provider's office and address your queries and doubts.
Reading the tips below will also help you with all the information you need on orthopedic care. Here's a step-by-step guide to your first consultation:
- Filling out initial paperwork: Before you meet the orthopedic surgeon, you will likely submit the necessary documents, such as your photo ID, insurance details, and doctor referrals. Some orthopedic facilities also have a protocol for filling out medical history forms.
- Meeting the provider and discussing your issues: Next, the office staff will direct you to the orthopedic surgeon's room. The doctor will begin the consultation by understanding the reasons for your visit. They will gather information by asking various questions about your symptoms, past treatments, lifestyle habits, everyday diet, and other relevant details.
- Sharing your medical records: After having a short conversation with you, they will ask for your medical records to review your existing health conditions, allergies, medications, supplements, and family history. They will go through your recent lab work and imaging results if available.
- Undergoing a physical examination: The orthopedic surgeon will perform comprehensive testing to evaluate your strength, mobility, range of motion, balance, coordination, reflexes, and physical function. They may also visually inspect the affected areas for signs of swelling, redness, or lumps.
- Taking diagnostic tests: If your orthopedic surgeon needs further assessment to reach an accurate diagnosis, they may order X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or blood tests, depending on your unique situation.
- Getting an individualized treatment plan: After explaining your condition, the doctor will prepare a treatment plan tailored to your requirements. They may initially suggest nonsurgical treatments, such as medication, steroid injections, nerve blocks, immobilization techniques, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. However, if your situation is too severe, they will mostly recommend surgery.
What factors can impact recovery after orthopedic surgery?
The length of the recovery period is always a concern, regardless of the cause for which the surgery was performed. It could have been to fix a sports injury or to resolve the pain caused by persistent wear and tear. In any of these cases, a solid and active body, a healthy and committed mental outlook, and proper nutrition go a long way in helping someone recover from surgery. Some key factors that may affect the recovery time after an orthopedic surgery are:
- Age and physical health: A patient's health and self-care habits substantially influence recovery. Younger patients in excellent or average physical shape usually have a shorter and easier recovery than those with chronic symptoms, a higher Body Mass Index (BMI), or a sedentary lifestyle. This is because a patient's age impacts the quality of their body tissue and bone health, an essential factor while recovering.
- Mental preparedness & expectations: Individuals may sometimes be mentally prepared for surgery before the body is physically ready. It can help aid recovery. Patients dealing with chronic pain are more receptive to surgery as they want to get their injury fixed or their joint replaced effectively. Additionally, mentally preparing yourself for the time it will take to heal your body is also very necessary, as it may take a few weeks or even up to a year for recovery.
- Commitment to recovery: Lastly, a patient's recovery only begins when they leave the operating room. No recovery plan is complete without therapy; it is a crucial part of their journey. An individual's commitment to post-surgery treatment will significantly impact their recovery time.
What food items should you consume and avoid to maintain orthopedic health?
You can maintain your orthopedic health by opting for nutrient-rich food items known for their inflammation-reducing activities. They can also help in keeping your bones healthy. Some of the food items that can help nourish your musculoskeletal system include:
- Dairy products and fish
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Kale, spinach, swiss chard, and collard greens
- Broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbage
- Figs and berries
Oscar Wilde once said, "I can resist anything except temptation." When offered junk food, this quote accurately reflects our mental state. However, avoiding consuming processed foods and food items with sugar, salt, or refined carbohydrates can help maintain a healthy and fit body.
How do you find a top-rated orthopedic surgeon near you in Fair Lawn, NJ?
If you have an injury or want to reduce the pain and hindrance caused by long-standing wear and tear of joints, an orthopedic surgeon can help you with the best rehabilitation plan. However, finding one that suits your requirements and practices nearby can be challenging. But worry not; Zocdoc can help you find the best orthopedic surgeon in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, with just a few clicks.
You can search by entering your location, doctor's specialty, symptoms, and preferred appointment date. The results will display an extensive list of the most suitable healthcare providers. 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, language, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children.
Finding in-network providers who accept your insurance plan can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Want to simplify the process? You can upload a photo of your medical insurance card to your Zocdoc account, and the platform will automatically help you select the correct insurance plan. Prefer not to upload your card? No problem—you can manually add your insurance details by selecting your plan from a list. For any insurance-related questions, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Reading verified ratings and reviews from prior patients can also help you find the right fit. Once you have chosen the best orthopedic surgeon near you in Fair Lawn, NJ, you can book an online or in-person appointment based on the doctor's availability.
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Orthopedic statistics for New Jersey and the United States
As per 2021 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic pain impacts over 50 million American adults and costs the country up to $635 billion annually. Its prevalence will likely increase in the coming years due to the aging population in the United States, the increase in diabetic patients, and improving cancer survival rates. Approximately 8% of all US adults have high-impact chronic pain, and around 84% cannot work outside their homes. Globally, the leading cause of disability and disease burden is chronic pain, and people with it are three times more susceptible to depression and anxiety than those without it.
As per the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report (2021) released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were around 16,260 orthopedic surgeons, excluding those specializing in pediatrics, practicing in the United States. New Jersey ranked fifth among states with the highest employment of orthopedic surgeons, with 670 active professionals.
According to a study by the CDC in 2013, 52.5 million American adults had arthritis, of which two-thirds were under the age of 65. This figure also included about 300,000 children. More than 1.4 million adults in New Jersey had arthritis and were between 18 and 75 years old. Its prevalence was higher in women (nearly 895,000) than men (almost 533,000). Additionally, more than 8,600 children experienced Juvenile Arthritis (JAJA), one of the most common childhood diseases.
In 2022, the CDC stated that fibromyalgia affects over 4 million US adults, i.e., about 2% of the adult population. While its cause is unknown, orthopedic surgeons can effectively treat and manage it.
Sources
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Mayo Clinic
National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center
New Jersey Department of Health
OrthoTexas
Puget Sound Orthopaedics
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
WebMD
OrthoInfo
All-Star Orthopedics of Austin
Watauga Orthopaedics
Bella Vista Health Center
The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics
Cleveland Clinic
