Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders or conditions of the musculoskeletal system. The human musculoskeletal system comprises the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. An orthopedic surgeon can prescribe medications and suggest rehabilitation as a first step. Additionally, they can perform surgery to repair injuries or correct a condition if required. They usually specialize in one particular type of orthopedics.
Orthopedic surgeons treat people of all ages—from newborns to senior citizens. They can treat sports injuries, joint dislocations, fractures, back pain, hip dysplasia, bone tumors, osteoporosis, and arthritis. These practitioners are qualified to treat spinal deformities like spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and ruptured discs and injuries or conditions of the hand like carpal tunnel. Limb lengthening, injuries to the Achilles tendon, foot, or ankle, and orthopedic trauma are other conditions they can handle.
Education and training
It takes nearly 14 years of education to become an orthopedic surgeon. It consists of obtaining a bachelor's degree, completing medical school, finishing a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery, and an optional one year of education within an orthopedic subspecialty. After their residency, doctors must practice in the field for two years. Following the practice, they can take an exam to receive certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
Common subspecialties under orthopedics
Orthopedic surgeons address various issues that may be genetic, present at birth (congenital), or develop during a person's lifetime. These concerns encompass congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, and degenerative conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis.
The field of orthopedics is extensive and includes various specialties or subspecialties, some of which include:
- Sports medicine: Many orthopedic surgeons pursue a fellowship in sports medicine. This specialization equips them to effectively treat athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals for sport-related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. Sports medicine experts focus on enhancing performance and employing physical therapy and exercise methods to treat injuries, optimize function, and swiftly return athletes to their activities.
- Hand surgery: As experts in hand surgery, these professionals diagnose and treat injuries and conditions affecting the hand and upper extremities, including ailments like carpal tunnel syndrome and fractures. They understand the hands' delicate and complex nature, ensuring precise and effective treatment.
- Pediatric orthopedics: Some orthopedists undergo specialized training in pediatrics to care for children with orthopedic issues such as scoliosis, cerebral palsy, and fractures. They are qualified to care for the children, prioritizing their comfort and considering factors related to growth and development.
- Spine surgery: Orthopedic surgeons who focus on spine surgery treat injuries and conditions affecting the spine caused by disease, degeneration, or trauma.
- Foot and ankle orthopedics (podiatry): Orthopedists with expertise in foot and ankle issues, such as sprains, strains, and conditions like Achilles tendonitis, provide specialized care for these parts.
- Joint replacement: This common subspecialty involves orthopedic surgeons focusing on replacing damaged or worn-out joints, particularly in the hips and knees, due to age, wear and tear, or overuse.
- Trauma surgery: Orthopedic surgeons can perform surgeries for severe and critical injuries in the trauma unit. Given the unpredictable nature of accidental trauma, orthopedic trauma surgeons require a profound understanding of human anatomy and the ability to discern normal from traumatized areas.
Given the broad scope of orthopedic medicine, finding a specialized orthopedic surgeon aligned with an individual's needs is crucial. These surgeons have a wealth of knowledge and a lifetime of experience to deliver high-quality care tailored to their patient's requirements.
What should you expect during the initial visit with an orthopedic surgeon?
If you have chronic pain in your muscles, joints, or bones that is causing discomfort with your mobility, range of motion, and daily activities, it would be best to get yourself checked with an orthopedic surgeon near you. You may also see them if you have sustained an injury.
You may experience anxiety and apprehension before your appointment, especially if it is your first one. Reading beforehand about what to expect can help you relax and prepare for the meeting.
- Medical history: The orthopedic surgeon will review your complete medical history, including your medications, past and current health conditions, surgeries, and diagnostic reports.
- Symptom evaluation: After checking your records, your doctor may inquire about your symptoms to better understand your condition. Be open and honest during the conversation to help your doctor achieve an accurate diagnosis.
- Physical examination: Your orthopedic doctor may ask you to walk, bend, or perform other specific movements to evaluate your strength, flexibility, mobility, reflexes, and other parameters further. They may also examine the affected area closely and check for pain, inflammation, discoloration, or other visual cues.
- Diagnostic tests: If necessary, doctors may perform or prescribe diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or blood tests that can provide crucial information about the extent of your condition.
- Treatment plan: After the orthopedic surgeon completes your diagnosis, they will talk with you about your condition and discuss your treatment goals. Your recovery program may be a combination of medication, injection therapy, physical therapy, massage, and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, they may suggest surgery.
In conclusion, to make the most of your first appointment, gather all your medical records, note down your symptoms, wear loose and comfortable clothing, and prepare a list of queries you may have for your orthopedic surgeon.
Some common diagnostic procedures
An orthopedic surgeon near you may use different diagnostic medical tests to understand the cause of your injury or condition. These test results will help them develop a customized treatment plan. Some of the procedures are:
- Blood tests: Specific markers in your blood can indicate conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. You may have to fast before giving the sample.
- Arthrography: This test can help identify the cause of unexplained joint pain by using a fluoroscope and injecting a unique solution. The fluoroscope is an X-ray equipment that can immediately show the highlighted images.
- Computed tomography (CT): Your doctor may suggest this test if they suspect a fracture or tumor that is not visible on an x-ray. It is also a standard diagnostic tool when you have suffered severe trauma to the abdomen, pelvis, chest, or spinal cord.
- Bone scan: Two bone scans are available to identify conditions such as osteoporosis and unusual bone formation, which indicate arthritis, infection, or cancer.
- Doppler ultrasound: With this procedure, your doctor can check for blood vessel blockages in the arms or legs. Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that utilizes high-frequency sound waves that echo off the body.
- Magnetic resonance image (MRI): This test uses an advanced computer and magnetic fields to click high-resolution pictures of your soft tissues and bones. It can help diagnose herniated disks, torn muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and hip or pelvic problems.
Other standard diagnostic procedures include muscle tests, laboratory studies, discography, electromyography, flexibility tests, joint aspiration and analysis, palpation, venography, and nerve conduction studies (NCS).
What questions should you ask the orthopedic surgeon before surgery?
If the first-line treatment, such as medications and physical therapy, does not help improve your condition, your provider may recommend surgery. While feeling overwhelmed about getting a procedure done is typical, you can put yourself at ease by learning more about it. However, instead of relying on online resources for information, address your queries with your orthopedic surgeon for tailored advice. If you need ideas, refer to the following list of questions:
- Can I delay my surgery? What are its consequences?
- Are there any alternatives to this procedure?
- How can I improve my surgery outcomes?
- Can you explain the steps of the surgery?
- What type of anesthesia will you use for my surgery? Does it have any side effects?
- What are the benefits of the procedure? How will it reduce my pain and improve my function?
- What are the risks or complications of the surgery? Can I do anything to prevent them?
- What is the success rate of this procedure?
- Can you share stories of patients who have achieved positive results after the surgery?
- Can I go home the same day of the surgery, or do I need to be hospitalized?
- How should I prepare for the surgery?
- Will I need more than one procedure?
- How long will my recovery period be?
- Will I experience post-operative pain? How can I manage it?
- What activities do I need to avoid post-operation? When can I resume them?
- What lifestyle and diet changes must I make to support my recovery?
- Can you share reliable resources to learn more about the procedure?
Ways to improve your orthopedic health
It would help if you started caring for your orthopedic health today, regardless of age. Staying active is essential in all phases of life, though it is of greater importance as you age. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, or riding a stationary bike are some ways of doing this.
If you like to work out in the gym, ensure that you start and end your sessions with stretches that can enhance your flexibility. Complementing your active lifestyle with a healthy diet will help. You can incorporate items from different food groups into your daily meals. Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies can adversely impact your orthopedic health. Before taking any supplements, consult your primary care doctor.
Always be mindful of your posture because getting it right can balance your skeletal system and reduce unwanted pressure on your joints. Using an ergonomic chair while working and avoiding wearing high heels for a long time can improve your posture. Avoid carrying heavy loads that can affect your back and spine. Try to use mattresses and pillows that adequately support your spine and neck when sleeping.
Are you looking for top orthopedic surgeons near you in Merrick, NY?
Orthopedics is a primary medical specialty and key to addressing joint and bone pain. If you need help finding the right orthopedic surgeon in Merrick, NY, for your needs or want to avoid the hassle of looking for one, we can help.
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Click on individual profiles to know more about the orthopedic surgeon's educational qualifications, affiliations, awards, experience, and license status. Check the verified patient reviews and ratings to make your choice. Zocdoc allows you to book a virtual or an in-person appointment. The easy booking process lets you pick slots based on the doctor's availability. An orthopedic surgeon near you may be available on weekends or outside regular business hours.
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Statistics on osteoporosis and arthritis in New York, US
Osteoporosis and arthritis are two conditions that could improve with the help of an orthopedic surgeon. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the prevalence of arthritis between 2013 and 2015 was nearly 23%. It means a doctor diagnosed about 54.4 million adults in the United States with some form of arthritis, gout, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia.
The New York State Department of Health 2021 data shows that the percentage of adults with arthritis varies from county to county. While Seneca is at the higher end, with around 39.0% prevalence, Tompkins is at the lower end, with about 17.2%. For Nassau County, it is approximately 19.1%.
Similarly, more data from the New York State Department of Health states that about 44 million Americans, equaling more than half of those aged 50 or older, are at risk of osteoporosis or low bone mass. In New York State, this figure is at three million.
Sources
WebMD
Penn Medicine
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
Ortho Atlanta
New York State Department of Health[1]
New York State Department of Health[2]
The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics
OrthoInfo
U.S. News & World Report
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medicine
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