Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
Doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal system conditions are called orthopedic surgeons. The human musculoskeletal system comprises joints, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that facilitate movement. Orthopedic surgeons usually treat patients of all ages, including newborns and older adults. They are experts in diagnosing orthopedic ailments and can suggest appropriate treatments.
These practitioners can also recommend appropriate rehabilitation measures and guide you through the process. Orthopedic surgeons are specialists trained in various procedures and surgeries to manage conditions afflicting the hips, ankles, knees, spine, hands, and neck. Most people consult an orthopedic surgeon at the suggestion of their primary care doctor.
An orthopedic surgeon must undergo 13 to 14 years of education and training. This time includes the years spent on getting a bachelor's degree, completing medical school, and finishing a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery at a major medical institution. They must practice for at least two years before being certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Some orthopedic surgeons go on to pursue additional education in a subspecialty.
When should you see an orthopedic surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon can help you with various conditions such as joint replacements, sports injuries, back pain, spinal stenosis, and ruptured discs. They can also address problems such as bone tumors, arthritis, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel, and Achilles tendon injuries. If your quality of life is affected due to mobility problems or pain, an orthopedic surgeon can provide a solution. Limited range of motion, an injury, or stiffness in the joints, limbs, or bones are other reasons to consult such an orthopedic specialist.
These doctors can address sports injuries to alleviate pain and help you return to your routine. Orthopedic surgeons have expertise in treating broken bones that do not heal even with a cast. Torn or damaged tendons and hip or spine fractures are other areas where they can help. Long-term illnesses such as bursitis, arthritis, and chronic joint and muscle pain are all treated by orthopedic surgeons. They can also develop treatment plans for problems caused by non-cancerous tumors, sarcomas or cancerous tumors originating in the bone, metastatic tumors that develop elsewhere but affect the bone, and blood cancers that debilitate the bones.
Orthopedic surgeons can give you an accurate diagnosis by using specialized tests and procedures. They can use the information obtained from these tests and techniques to put you on the path to recovery. ACL reconstruction surgery, knee and hip replacements, arthroscopy, ankle repair, and spinal surgeries are some procedures these specialists perform as part of treatment. They will attempt to provide a holistic solution to your problem and recommend surgery only as a last resort.
Orthopedic treatments: nonsurgical and surgical options
Orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient's needs. Depending on the diagnosis, they may recommend nonsurgical therapies or surgical interventions to address musculoskeletal conditions.
- Nonsurgical treatments in orthopedics - Orthopedic specialists offer various non-invasive treatments and instruments to combat pain and improve mobility, including:
- Supportive devices such as braces, splints, casts, and slings stabilize bones or joints for proper healing
- Joint injections using cortisone or other steroid medications, as well as viscosupplementation, to reduce inflammation and discomfort
- Non-opioid pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and swelling
- Physical therapy enhances the flexibility and strength of the muscle while reducing stiffness
- Occupational therapy to assist in daily activities such as dressing and mobility
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an experimental technique that may aid tissue repair
- Orthotic devices, including custom shoe inserts, to promote proper foot alignment
- Surgical procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons - When nonsurgical options are insufficient, orthopedic surgeons may recommend surgery based on the patient's condition.
- Foot and ankle surgeries:
- Achilles tendon repair
- Bunion correction
- Hammertoe correction
- Plantar fasciitis release
- Ankle replacement or fusion
- Hand and upper limb surgeries:
- Carpal tunnel release
- Dupuytren's contracture treatment
- Ganglion cyst removal
- Rotator cuff repair
- Trigger finger release
- Joint replacement and reconstruction:
- Hip replacement
- Total or partial knee replacement
- Shoulder replacement
- Less common procedures like wrist or elbow replacement
- Orthopedic trauma surgery:
- Treatment for dislocations
- Fracture stabilization
- Care for bone infections or improper fracture healing (nonunion/malunion)
- Reconstructive surgery for severely damaged bones and joints
- Spinal procedures:
- Laminectomy for spinal decompression
- Spinal fusion to stabilize vertebrae
- Sports injury surgeries:
- Meniscus repair
- ACL reconstruction
- Rotator cuff repair
- Hip surgery for labral tears
By offering both nonsurgical and surgical solutions, orthopedic surgeons near you help patients restore function and mobility of their bodies, thereby improving their quality of life.
Arthritis
Arthritis and related rheumatic diseases are prevalent conditions characterized by pain, inflammation, and restricted movement in joints and surrounding connective tissues. These ailments impact millions of individuals across the United States. Arthritis denotes the inflammation and swelling of a joint, where two or more bones come together. Over a hundred distinct forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases exist, and they encompass any condition leading to discomfort, stiffness, and swelling in joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones. Typically, arthritis is a persistent, long-term condition. It's more frequently observed in women than men and is often associated with advancing age, although it can affect people of all ages.
The cause of arthritis varies depending on its type. Osteoarthritis typically results from joint wear and tear due to aging or excessive use. Conversely, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma stem from the immune system attacking its own tissues, while gout is caused by crystal accumulation in the joints. Certain genetic factors, such as the presence of the HLA-B27 marker, increase the risk of conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. However, the causes of some forms of arthritis remain unknown.
Various factors can lead to arthritis. Non-modifiable factors include gender, with women more susceptible, and age, with arthritis becoming more common as people age. Hereditary factors also play a role, as certain types of arthritis are genetically linked. Modifiable risk factors include weight, as obesity can strain knee joints and predispose them to osteoarthritis and previous joint injuries, which increase the likelihood of arthritis onset. Additionally, infections can lead to reactive arthritis, and occupations involving repetitive bending or squatting may increase the risk of knee arthritis.
Symptoms of arthritis can vary among individuals but commonly include persistent joint pain, warmth, redness, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty in normal joint movement. These symptoms may resemble those of other health conditions, highlighting the importance of consulting an orthopedic surgeon near you for an accurate diagnosis.
What can you expect during an orthopedic surgery?
On the day of your orthopedic surgery, you will be admitted to a healthcare setting, usually a hospital. A provider will assist you in preparing for surgery by assessing your vitals and administering IV fluids or drugs as needed. You must remove all jewelry and clothing and put on a hospital gown. Your healthcare team will then take you to an operating room to begin your surgery.
An anesthesiologist will provide anesthesia in the operating room to make you fall asleep, helping you not experience any pain during the procedure. Once you are unconscious, your surgeon will perform the surgery.
The measures your surgeon will take during your surgery will differ depending on why you are undertaking the procedure. They will begin by making a small incision in your skin with surgical instruments. They may need to do the following for common orthopedic procedures:
- Repair a broken bone or fracture with anchors, pins, rods, or plates to ensure proper bone healing.
- Remove damaged ligaments and replace them with healthy tissue from another part of your body or a donor transplant.
- Repair arthritis damage by placing metal or plastic caps on a bone in your joint.
During your appointment, your surgeon will go over everything they plan to perform during the procedure and how they intend to execute it. Once your surgeon completes the surgery, they will close any wounds in your skin and bandage the surgical site.
What are the risks and problems associated with orthopedic surgery?
While not common, all surgical procedures have some risk factors. While surgery is usually safe and effective, your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the risks of surgery with you so that you know what to expect. Orthopedic surgery may carry the following risks:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Joint discomfort or stiffness
- Blood clotting
- Muscle fatigue
- Numbness
If you have any concerns about the risks or complications of your procedure, it is advisable to have a detailed conversation with your surgeon.
Tips on ensuring good orthopedic health
Caring for your orthopedic health is essential to live without pain and mobility issues. Following are a few simple tips that can help you ensure this:
- Switch to anti-inflammatory foods to prevent arthritis. Limit your consumption of red meat, highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugar. Substitute these with whole grains, colorful vegetables and fruits, and foods with high constituents of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Pick exercises that you like doing to keep your joints limber and strong. When exercising is fun, it is highly motivating, and you will be able to stick with your regimen.
- Maintain a healthy body weight so that there is no additional pressure on your knees and other joints. It helps reduce the risk of osteoarthritis significantly.
- Maintain good posture because this keeps your joints aligned and ensures the proper use of muscles supporting them. It can help prevent the wear and tear of joints that often lead to arthritis.
How do you find an orthopedic surgeon near you in Paramus, NJ?
Orthopedic issues and conditions require the attention of a specialist. It is essential to handle parts of our body, such as the joints, ligaments, muscles, and spine, with care. Not getting the proper care at the right time can have lasting repercussions. Choosing a qualified orthopedic surgeon with experience can be challenging. With Zocdoc, you can find the right surgeon without hassle.
Start by setting up a free account on Zocdoc and instantly begin your search for an orthopedic surgeon in Paramus, New Jersey. Zocdoc's efficient filters make it easy to find a practitioner using criteria such as gender, languages spoken, and whether they treat children. You could also search based on any symptoms you have. Our convenient insurance detector makes finding an in-network professional close to your location easy. Unlock the full potential of your Zocdoc account by seamlessly integrating your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. Our user-friendly platform allows you to quickly search for and schedule appointments using one insurance plan at a time. Don't worry if you have multiple plans – mention your secondary carrier and plan in the notes section during the booking process, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Adding secondary insurance is a breeze if your provider utilizes Zocdoc's Intake forms. Streamline your healthcare experience today by using Zocdoc's patient help center page to resolve more insurance related queries.
We use an advanced algorithm to search our extensive database of medical practitioners nationwide to give you a list of the best possible matches. Click on individual profiles to learn about orthopedic surgeons near you, such as their experience, area of expertise, affiliations, accreditations, and ratings. We keep updating the profiles with the latest reviews and ratings to keep you in the loop constantly. Check the verified patient feedback to help you make an informed choice.
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Statistics on arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders in New Jersey
The burden of musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, is increasing nationwide. Estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that by 2040, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis will be around 25.9% of the projected total adult population. It translates to about 78.4 million adults aged 18 and above.
Statistics from the State of New Jersey Department of Health for 2015 indicate that more than 1.4 million people had arthritis, and over 8,600 children lived with juvenile arthritis (J.A.) in the state.
Data from America's Health Rankings for New Jersey for 2021 showed that approximately 22.9% of adults learned from a health professional that they have some form of arthritis.
More women had arthritis than men in the state and nationwide. Around 27.1% of women and 18.4% of men had arthritis in New Jersey compared to 29% and 21.1%, respectively, in the country.
According to the State of New Jersey Department of Health figures, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) were among the most common and preventable work-related injuries. From 2000–2019, there were approximately 195,688 instances of MSDs. Of these, 48% had to do with the back, 27% were of the shoulders, neck, and upper extremities, and 1% were carpal tunnel syndrome.
Sources
Penn Medicine
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
WebMD
Midwest Orthopaedics, P.A.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
State of New Jersey Department of Health[1]
State of New Jersey Department of Health[2]
America's Health Rankings
Cleveland Clinic
John Hopkins Medicine
Cleveland Clinic
