Who are orthopedic surgeons?
Orthopedic surgery is a medical field focused on injuries or conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, which comprises bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, etc. It involves treating orthopedic issues with surgical interventions. Orthopedic surgeons are experts in this kind of surgery and can treat people of all ages, from newborns to older adults.
Their practice includes:
- Diagnosing the injury or disorder
- Treating it through medications, injections, surgery, bracing, casting, or other options
- Rehabilitating the patient by prescribing exercises or physical therapy that can help restore movement, functioning, and strength
- Preventing injuries or slowing their progression by imparting information and treatment plans
An orthopedic surgeon's scope of practice is very vast. It encompasses treating congenital conditions such as scoliosis and traumatic injuries such as broken hips, assisting patients suffering from back or knee pain, etc. Orthopedic surgeons often collaborate with physical therapists to offer holistic treatment and health maintenance.
They attain up to 14 years of education, including four years of college study, medical school, and five years of training in an orthopedic residency. They can also acquire field-specific knowledge by pursuing a fellowship for one or more years.
During this training, orthopedic surgeons can specialize in sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, orthopedic oncology, knee and hip replacement, reconstruction, pediatric orthopedic surgery, etc. To begin practicing, they must clear a board certification exam. In the United States, orthopedic surgeons must renew their certification every ten years by taking exams and completing continuing education courses.
Who is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon?
Doctors specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgery are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions affecting bones, muscles, joints, and tendons in babies, infants, children, and teenagers under 18. Children's musculoskeletal problems differ from those experienced by adults as children are still growing. Further, several medical conditions, like in-toeing, are unique to the growing body and might go away naturally with time.
A pediatric orthopedic surgeon near you will treat a range of conditions, which include:
- Limb and spine deformities
- Limping and other gait abnormalities
- Bone, joint, and muscle infections
- Fractured bones
- Ligament tears
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Scoliosis
- Clubfoot
They can also assist doctors with other specializations to treat complex medical conditions like bone cancer, juvenile arthritis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy.
After finishing medical school and an orthopedic residency, doctors must complete a one-year fellowship in pediatric orthopedics or spinal deformity to qualify as pediatric orthopedic surgeons.
Neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons: Which one should you choose for spine surgery?
In the past, neurosurgeons were the leading professionals responsible for spine surgery. However, over the last two and a half decades, spine surgery has evolved so that neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons now specialize in this field. So, if you're considering spine surgery, you're probably wondering which type of surgeon is best for you: a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon near you. Both of these surgeons possess the same level of qualification to carry out most of the typical operations related to the spine.
Neurosurgeons can be either Medical Doctors or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. They complete a residency program that spans five to six years and focuses on the surgical treatment of neurological conditions. Neurosurgeons are trained to treat brain, spine, spinal cord, nerves, and intracranial and intraspinal vasculature disorders. Some neurosurgeons specialize in brain surgery, some in spine surgery, while others split their practice between the two.
Orthopedic surgeons complete a five-year surgical residency focused on treating musculoskeletal conditions. They can be Medical Doctors (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Orthopedists specialize in diagnosing and treating almost all bone and joint disorders, which may include spinal disorders, arthritis, sports injuries, trauma, bone tumors, and hand injuries and deformities. Some orthopedic surgeons focus exclusively on the spine, some on other joints like hips, knees, and shoulders, and some split their practice among two or more areas.
Neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons may both receive fellowship training to perform most types of spine surgery. However, in some types of spine surgery, one specialty tends to be more qualified than the other.
For instance, in the past, orthopedic surgeons were generally better equipped to perform spinal deformity surgery for scoliosis and other types of spinal deformity. However, nowadays, many neurosurgeons have also been trained in deformity surgery.
On the other hand, neurosurgeons are typically more skilled in performing intradural surgery, which involves surgery inside the dura of the spinal cord, such as thecal sac tumors.
Understanding arthritis
Arthritis causes swelling and discomfort in one or more joints. The primary symptoms are stiffness and joint pain that worsens with age. Swelling, redness, or decreased range of motion may be other symptoms. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis grip the American population most commonly.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, i.e., the slippery but hard tissue covering the bones disappears. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis results from the bone, where the immune system attacks the joints, starting from the joint lining. The formation of uric crystals can also cause arthritis due to a high concentration of uric acid in the blood. The development of the condition can also be attributed to underlying infections or diseases such as lupus or psoriasis.
Orthopedic surgeons create treatment plans for arthritis depending upon its type, focusing on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Some factors that may indicate a high risk of developing arthritis include:
- Age: The chances of the onset of all kinds of arthritis, be it osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, increase with age.
- Family history: If your parents or siblings have arthritis, you may also be at risk of developing it, as some kinds of arthritis tend to run in the family.
- Previous joint injuries: Injuries like those developed while playing a sport may increase the probability of arthritis developing in that joint.
- Sex: Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than men, while gout affects men in high numbers.
- Obesity: In people who are overweight, the stress on joints like the hips, knees, and spine increases. Thus, there is a higher chance of developing arthritis in obese people.
Depending on the severity, arthritis may make it difficult to complete daily tasks, primarily if it affects the hands or arms. Walking comfortably or sitting up straight may become problematic if arthritis develops in the weight-bearing joints. In some cases, misalignment or de-shaping of joints is also possible due to arthritis.
Reasons to see an orthopedic surgeon near you
You must consider seeing an orthopedic surgeon if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Lower back pain: It can present as dull aches or prolonged, sharp pain. It can result from lifting heavy objects, old age, or a sedentary lifestyle. Mild cases of lower back pain can go away without medication or surgical interventions. However, if the pain persists or is accompanied by fever, chills, or weight loss, you must immediately see an orthopedic doctor.
- Strain injury: It is caused by repetitive strain due to poor posture, forceful motions, and muscle overexertion. Such injuries primarily affect the back, neck, and arms. Common symptoms are tenderness, stiffness, and a tingling sensation in the affected area.
- Knee pain: This can result from injuries, arthritis, muscle pull, and more. Additionally, the functioning of your knees gradually worsens over time because of normal wear and tear, leading to pain. Feet or hip pain and injuries can also negatively impact the knees. Common medical interventions for knee pain include medicines, physical therapy, and knee replacement surgery.
- Frozen shoulder: When shoulder muscles stiffen, one experiences a 'frozen shoulder,' marked by a decreased range of motion and mild pain that intensifies over time. An orthopedic doctor can suggest medications and provide other forms of treatment, such as exercises, physical therapy, etc. If none of these work, shoulder replacement surgery is also an option.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: It is a hand condition resulting from extreme pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve is connected to your fingers and runs through the arm. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, a tingling sensation, and pain in the fingers, wrist, or forearm.
Non-surgical alternatives to orthopedic treatments
Non-surgical treatments are often the go-to option for managing many orthopedic conditions, including sprains, strains, simple fractures, and even arthritis. These approaches can effectively relieve pain, improve function, and support healing without the risks of surgery. Surgery is usually reserved as a last resort when other methods don't provide the desired results.
Here's a closer look at some popular non-surgical treatments and how they help:
- Medications: Doctors recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription options like anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants to ease pain and reduce inflammation. These medications can help you feel more comfortable and return to your daily routine.
- Orthotics: Orthotics such as braces, splints, or custom insoles can be very helpful for foot and ankle injuries. These devices support, reduce strain, and help manage pain in the lower extremities.
- Viscosupplementation: If you have osteoarthritis, viscosupplementation could offer some relief. This method involves injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the affected joint. Acting as a lubricant, it can improve mobility and reduce the discomfort caused by diminished joint fluid.
- Steroid injections: When oral medications aren't enough, a steroid injection into the affected joint or area can be a game-changer. These shots directly target pain and inflammation, providing relief lasting for months.
- Nerve blocks: A nerve block may be the answer for nerve pain. This treatment involves injecting anesthetics or anti-inflammatory medications around the nerves causing the pain, offering temporary but often significant relief.
- Physical therapy: It is a cornerstone of orthopedic care. An orthopedic surgeon near you will refer you to a physical therapist. The therapist will work with you to create a program of exercises and stretches to improve your joints' strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Beyond pain relief, physical therapy supports long-term recovery and helps prevent future injuries.
By choosing non-surgical treatments, you reduce risks and explore highly effective options for managing orthopedic conditions. If you consistently deal with pain or mobility issues, these methods could provide the relief and recovery you need — all without going under the knife.
Finding the best orthopedic surgeon in Staten Island, New York
Are you worried about recurring pain in your joints? Or is constant spinal pain making it difficult to sit up straight? In such cases, seeing an orthopedic surgeon near you may be beneficial. Zocdoc can help you choose one that matches your needs. Suppose you are looking for a geriatric or pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Staten Island. In that case, you can expedite your search by quickly filtering your results on Zocdoc to identify doctors who treat older adults or children.
Through Zocdoc's user-friendly and easy-to-navigate interface, you can find a list of nearby practitioners by entering your address details or symptoms. By browsing the orthopedic surgeon's profile, you can become familiar with a practitioner's educational qualifications, licensure, areas of expertise, and experience, along with their awards and accreditations. Zocdoc lets you filter your search and find practitioners like an orthopedic surgeon near you catering to your insurance plan to make things even more convenient for you.
If you face any issues while uploading the image, don't hesitate to contact Zocdoc's service team for assistance. Additionally, you can check out Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to any further insurance-related queries.
After creating a shortlist, you can make an informed decision based on reviews left by previous patients. Once you choose an orthopedic surgeon near you who suits your needs, you can reserve a virtual or in-person session directly.
All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free.
Orthopedic statistics in Staten Island, New York
The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society published its report in 2021 and concluded that there were about 60 orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons in New York. The report also states that there were around 0.30 orthopedic surgeons for 100,000 New Yorkers — making the state home to about 5.44% of such surgeons.
According to the 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 2,050 orthopedic surgeons in New York, excluding pediatric specialists. The metropolitan region of New York-Newark-Jersey City (1,880) ranked first in the number of orthopedic surgeons. The northern New York nonmetropolitan area ranked third in the nonmetropolitan areas with the highest employment among orthopedic surgeons nationally.
Findings from the New York State Department of Health indicate that in 2016, about 25.2% of people in Richmond County, which includes Staten Island, had arthritis.
Another report by the same organization revealed that in New York State, around 3.5 million adults were affected by arthritis. The report further indicated that around 61.9% of the adults having arthritis were women, while about 38.1% were men. Among those in New York aged 65 and above, nearly 48.5% lived with arthritis. Arthritis affected more than half of the New York adult population, who faced limitations in daily activities due to the condition.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
New York State Department of Health[1]
New York State Department of Health[2]
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons[1]
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons[2]
Mayo Clinic
U.S. News
Healthline
Healthgrades
Beaumont[1]
Beaumont[2]
WebMD
Veritas Health
All Star Orthopedics of Austin
