Who are orthopedic surgeons?
Orthopedic surgeons diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases affecting bones, joints, and ligaments. While some orthopedic doctors can treat every part of the musculoskeletal system, others specialize in specific areas, such as the elbow, hip, shoulder, foot, knee, ankle, hand, or spine.
Orthopedic surgeons can treat all ages, from infants to seniors. They can also treat spinal deformities, fractures, sports injuries, joint replacements, and other problems. They can treat symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness, joint pain and stiffness, bone discomfort, limited range of motion, limited mobility, and physical deformities.
What kind of education and training do orthopedic surgeons receive?
To work as an orthopedic surgeon, one must first graduate from medical school. Here, students study and train for four years. The first two years involve learning in classrooms and laboratories. The following two years involve training to diagnose and treat illnesses and conditions. They train under the guidance of expert doctors and specialists in medical settings such as clinics and hospitals.
Once they complete medical school, students earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree. They must then finish a five-year orthopedic surgery residency. Doctors can also pursue an extra year of fellowship study in an orthopedic specialization. After completing their residency and having two years of practical experience in the field, an orthopedic surgeon must pass an examination to become board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
What are some standard orthopedic diagnostic tests?
An orthopedic surgeon might conduct a series of tests to diagnose the cause of your injury. Using these test results, they then develop a customized treatment plan. Here are some examples:
- C.T. scan: Your doctor advises a computed tomography (C.T.) scan when he suspects you have a fracture or tumor that is not evident on an X-ray. A CT scan is an ideal screening tool in cases of severe spine, chest, or abdomen injuries.
- Doppler ultrasound: This is an ultrasound that uses high-frequency sound waves to provide a diagnostic assessment of potential clogs in the arteries of the arms or legs. The test has no adverse side effects and is non-invasive.
- MRI scan: This test helps identify hip or pelvic problems, such as a slipped disc or damaged muscles, cartilage, or ligaments.
- Arthrography: This procedure can help identify the cause of enigmatic joint pain by injecting a solution into the damaged joint. The solution is observable as it travels through the body. An X-ray machine called a fluoroscope can instantly display pictures of the solution traveling through the joint.
- Bone scan: These scans can identify conditions like cancer, infection, or disorders like arthritis by revealing indicators of abnormal bone development. They are also able to detect issues like osteoporosis.
Other typical diagnostic approaches include laboratory investigations, muscle testing, nerve conduction assessments, joint aspiration and examination, range of movement, and flexibility tests.
How are orthopedic surgeons different from sports medicine specialists?
Although orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine may sometimes treat the same conditions, they are distinct therapy specialties. Understanding the differences between the two is crucial to making the right choice. Both medical experts focus on treating musculoskeletal issues. However, their expertise differs in the range and depth.
Sports medicine specialists usually see amateur and professional athletes as patients and concentrate on treating on-field acute injuries. Some sports medicine specialists may choose a broader focus than only athletes. Also, they can use medicine on anyone who wishes to improve their physical capabilities and avoid further injuries. They can also provide personalized treatment or training regimens. In addition to treating injuries, they can determine if an athlete is fit enough to keep competing.
On the other hand, an orthopedics specialist treats musculoskeletal diseases and performs surgeries. The scope of the conditions they treat is unlimited. An orthopedics practitioner may also treat conditions only sometimes addressed by sports medicine, such as osteoporosis or arthritis.
Orthopedic surgeons vs. rheumatologists
Knowing which provider can offer relief is essential for dealing with joint pain.
Although there is some overlap between rheumatology and orthopedics (both treat joint pain), understanding the key differences between these two specialties will help you decide which provider is best for you.
The main distinction between rheumatology and orthopedics is that orthopedic specialists focus on surgery, while rheumatologists are medical experts who use medication and other nonsurgical methods to treat conditions.
Orthopedic conditions typically involve issues directly related to the musculoskeletal system. If surgery is needed due to a rheumatic disease, an orthopedic surgeon may be involved.
What sets orthopedics and rheumatology apart is the type of treatments they offer.
Orthopedic surgeons treat musculoskeletal problems, often through surgical means. Some common surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeons include:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
- Hip replacements
- Knee replacements
- Robotic hip and knee surgery
However, orthopedic surgeons can also provide nonsurgical treatments, including:
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Medications
Sometimes, an orthopedic surgeon may conduct an initial consultation and refer you to another specialist for the most appropriate treatment. For instance, an orthopedic surgeon might suggest physical therapy to help manage pain, refer you to a rheumatologist to treat an underlying condition, or direct you to a chiropractor for alternative medicine.
In contrast, rheumatology treatments typically address an underlying disease in the body. This process often starts with a series of diagnostic tests to assess the root cause of the issue.
Blood tests are commonly used in rheumatology to detect various diseases and inflammatory markers, which may indicate conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
If rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, the rheumatologist might prescribe Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). These medications have significantly improved and can offer substantial relief for many patients without surgery.
A rheumatologist may sometimes refer a patient to an orthopedic surgeon if surgical treatment becomes necessary.
What should one expect during the first visit to an orthopedic surgeon near you?
The orthopedist's primary goal during the initial orthopedic appointment is to comprehensively diagnose the individual's condition. It involves a thorough assessment, including a physical examination and X-rays. In some cases, further diagnostic tests might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
The orthopedist typically follows several vital steps to reach an accurate diagnosis. First, they inquire about the patient's symptoms, delving into specifics to understand the nature and extent of discomfort or pain. Then, they review the patient's medical records, gaining valuable insights into their medical history and overall health. During the appointment, they conduct a physical examination to assess physical limitations and pinpoint areas of concern. They also review any X-rays taken before the appointment.
In certain situations, the orthopedist may need to order additional diagnostic tests. These tests can encompass various methods, including bone scans, MRI scans, C.T. scans, nerve conduction studies, ultrasounds, and blood tests. These supplementary tests provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition.
Orthopedists may perform in-office procedures for specific musculoskeletal conditions as part of the diagnostic and treatment process. X-rays, recognized as one of the most common diagnostic imaging techniques, are often administered in the office to diagnose certain conditions promptly. Additionally, orthopedists may administer injections, such as corticosteroid injections, to alleviate inflammation and conduct ultrasound scans.
For acute injuries like fractures and dislocations, they advise immediate intervention. Orthopedists possess the expertise to manipulate and realign bones or joints, and they may utilize casts, splints, or braces to immobilize the impacted area.
Regarding treatment options, orthopedists may recommend various approaches to address chronic musculoskeletal conditions. These can range from over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to rehabilitation and physical therapy. They may also advise customized home exercise programs, acupuncture, injections, and mobility aids. In cases where first-line treatments prove ineffective, surgery becomes a viable option to explore, providing a comprehensive spectrum of solutions for orthopedic patients.
How can you prepare for orthopedic surgery?
If your orthopedic surgeon has suggested surgery for your condition, it is natural to feel anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed. While delaying surgery may not be an option, you can ease the situation by following specific easy preparation tips. So, here's everything you can do to make your surgery experience less daunting and achieve a positive outcome:
Ask questions and learn about the surgery: You can feel much more comfortable once you know what to expect during the surgery and recovery period. So, before your surgery, bring up all your queries and doubts with your orthopedic surgeon. If you need some ideas, here's what you can consider asking them:
- Can you explain all the steps of the surgical procedure?
- Are there any risks or complications associated with the surgery?
- How long will my recovery take? When can I go back to my usual activities?
- Can you share the success rate of the procedure?
- What will happen if I don't have surgery? Are there any alternatives?
- What are my pre-surgery and post-surgery care instructions?
Shift to a healthy lifestyle: Getting in good shape before surgery reduces the risk of complications and promises a faster recovery. If you smoke or drink alcohol, quit them. Follow an exercise plan approved by your surgeon to strengthen your muscles around the affected area. Consume a healthy diet and avoid junk foods to improve immunity and control weight.
Practice relaxation techniques: Besides physical fitness, mental relaxation is equally important. Various methods, such as deep breathing, meditation, guided imagery, muscle relaxation, yoga, and more, can help you.
Pack your hospital bag well: If you will stay in the hospital for your surgery, pack all the necessary things, including your toiletries, clothing, medications, and other personal items. Consider carrying books, earphones, or an electronic tablet for entertainment.
Prepare your home for post-surgery comfort: Remember to make all the necessary arrangements at home for post-surgery comfort. For instance, stock your groceries, remove items that can make you fall, and ask a loved one or caregiver to stay over for a few days.
How can you locate the best orthopedic surgeon near you in Los Angeles, California?
Are you looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Los Angeles, California? Use Zocdoc to book an appointment easily and quickly!
To find an excellent orthopedic surgeon who suits your preferences, create an account on Zocdoc. Once registered, the website will show you an advanced search bar where you can enter specifics about your symptoms, location, time, or treatment required. When you click the search button, Zocdoc will provide a list of detailed profiles of specialists near you.
If you have insurance and wish to consult an in-network expert, add your insurance carrier and plan details in the search box. When you cannot find your insurance plan in the dropdown list, you can upload a photo of your insurance card so Zocdoc can scan it and help you with the process. You can contact our service team if you face difficulties uploading the image. You can also visit Zocdoc's patient help center for further insurance-related queries. Furthermore, read other insurance FAQs on our patient help center page if you have any more doubts.
Zocdoc's profiles of physicians offer information on their academic credentials, medical experience, research interests, treatments, spoken language, and gender. Each patient can also leave a rating or review for the services they received. You can compare these verified reviews between multiple profiles to better decide.
If you search your insurance provider's name in the search bar, Zocdoc will provide the top orthopedists who accept your insurance. After all, your ideal orthopedist must take your insurance, be accessible when needed, and appropriately inform you about the details of your treatments.
Depending on your preference, you can plan in-person or online appointments on Zocdoc. Look for a purple video symbol on a doctor's profile to identify doctors who offer video consultations. With Zocdoc, finding the best orthopedic surgeon near you is easier than ever.
Booking appointments with doctors on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and 100% free.
Orthopedic statistics for California, United States
According to Zippia's team of data scientists, Over 18,380 orthopedic surgeons are now practicing in the United States; about 65% are female, and approximately 34% are male.
Quantitative research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that California had 1610 practicing orthopedic surgeons as of May 2021, the most significant proportion in America. The Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California's nonmetropolitan area has the highest number of practicing orthopedic surgeons, approximately 120.
According to America's Health Rankings in 2020, around 19.7% of California's adult population had arthritis. Among them, around 24% were between 45 and 64. Nearly 48% of the adult population over 65 had arthritis. Compared to males (16%), women (23.2%) were likelier to have this disorder.
Sources
WebMD
Zippia
Medical News Today
America's Health Rankings
Midwest Orthopaedics, P.A.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Blue Ridge Orthopaedic & Spine Center
Stevens Point Orthopedics
Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida
Dr. Paul N. Morton, MD
