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Who is an orthopedic surgeon?

Orthopedic surgeons are medical experts who diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system, which comprises the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These doctors treat people regardless of age and address complaints ranging from joint pains to sports injuries. They offer services in multiple settings, such as medical institutions, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, etc.

An orthopedic specialist should be your consulting doctor if you experience persistent back pain or have arthritis, ruptured vertebral disc, spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bone tumors, osteoporosis, Achilles tendonitis, etc. They perform precise medical procedures using advanced techniques and equipment.

What kind of education and training do orthopedic surgeons receive?

Becoming an orthopedic surgeon takes around 13 years of rigorous training and education. The journey begins with earning a bachelor's degree, which takes four years. After this, aspirants must complete four years of medical school. They must then complete a five-year orthopedics residency at a recognized medical institution. Following this, a doctor must practice for at least two years before appearing for the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery exam to become board-certified.

What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a rheumatologist?

Given the extensive overlap among medical fields and specialties, we often need help to choose the right type of doctor to consult for our specific health issue. This confusion is common for orthopedics and rheumatology, as both specialties address joint pain.

While orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists treat joints, muscles, and bones, rheumatologists primarily treat joint conditions through medicine, whereas orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgical treatments and fracture management. 

Furthermore, it is best to see an orthopedic surgeon near you:

• If you have joint or musculoskeletal pain after an injury
• If you feel hip or knee pain worsening when you put weight on them
• If severe joint pain hampers your daily activities
• If you have moderate or advanced hip or knee arthritis
• If previous treatments for joint pain didn't work
• If you require a joint replacement

On the other hand, it is best to see a rheumatologist:

• If you have pain in multiple joints.
• If you have new joint pain that is not linked to an injury.
• If you experience joint or musculoskeletal pain, fever, fatigue, rash, morning stiffness, or chest pain.
• If you have muscular pain, with or without other symptoms.
• If you're over 50 and have recurring headaches or muscle aches.
• If you've noticed persistent symptoms like unexplained fever, sweating, or weight loss.

In short, if you're dealing with severe joint pain, starting your treatment with a rheumatologist is best unless you've had a physical injury needing surgery. They can provide non-surgical treatments like medications to manage inflammatory and systemic arthritis symptoms if caught early.

Your rheumatologist will closely examine your condition and its progress during treatment. If your symptoms persist, you should take a referral to an orthopedic surgeon for possible surgery.

What types of procedures can an orthopedic surgeon perform?

Orthopedic surgeons carry out a variety of surgical procedures, which may be either open or minimally invasive. Your surgeon will explain the specific surgery required, the procedure involved, potential risks, and alternative treatment options. Some common orthopedic procedures include:

1. Hip replacement: Like the knee, the cartilage in the hip joint can deteriorate over time, leading to pain and mobility issues. Hip replacement surgery may involve either partial replacement (replacing only the damaged section) or total replacement (where an artificial implant replaces the entire joint). One alternative option is Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR), where the surgeon only removes the affected part of the hip, though this may not always be suitable.
2. Shoulder replacement: The shoulder undergoes significant strain, which can damage the bones and surrounding structures. In severe cases, the surgeon may use a metal ball to replace the damaged section of the humerus (the upper arm bone) while inserting a plastic component into the socket. If the rotator cuff is damaged, a metal implant instead of plastic is used to replace the socket.
3. Arthroscopy: The surgeon commonly performs this minimally invasive procedure on the shoulder or knee. A small camera is inserted into the joint to provide clear images of the affected area, helping the surgeon diagnose the extent of damage. Arthroscopy is often done before a major joint surgery, such as a knee/shoulder replacement, to assess the best course of treatment.
4. Joint fusion: Patients with arthritis may require joint fusion surgery. This involves grafting healthy cartilage from another body part onto the affected joint. The bones surrounding the damaged area are then fused to provide stability. Surgeons commonly perform this procedure on the spine, ankles, feet, or fingers.

Surgery is typically considered a last resort. Orthopedic surgeons can manage most musculoskeletal issues with proper conditioning and rehabilitation. Understanding the symptoms and seeking timely medical advice from your orthopedic surgeon can significantly aid recovery.

Tips on recovering from an orthopedic surgery

You will naturally want to revert to your routine immediately after an orthopedic surgical intervention. Your recovery depends on factors such as overall health before the procedure and the type of surgery undergone. While your doctor will be able to provide an estimate on the recovery time necessary, there are some things you could do to stay on track with this timeline.

1. Proper nutrition: Eating right will help supply your body with the nutrients it needs to heal and produce energy. Fish, lean meats, eggs, and vegetables are essential sources of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Do not consume processed or high-sugar foods. 
2. Move safely: Follow your doctor's instructions for moving about and exercising after the surgery. Prolonged bed rest can weaken the muscle over time, but moving nearly too much can strain the operated limb.
3. Rest well: Stop what you do at the first sign of tiredness and get enough rest. Adequate rest is very important to the healing process, and regardless of how much rest you get during the day, you should ensure that you sleep well at night, too. 
4. Therapy and rehabilitation: Physical therapy and rehabilitation are likely part of your recovery regimen. Follow your therapist's instructions diligently and complete the recommended exercises regularly. Committing to the process will have you up and about in no time! 

Contact your orthopedic surgeon immediately if you experience unusual symptoms or have concerns during your post-operative period.

Arthritis and its risk factors

Arthritis is an inflammatory illness that affects one or multiple joints. The symptoms usually develop over time, but they may appear suddenly. With more than 100 types of arthritis, the causes and treatment methods differ according to the type of arthritis. Among them, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in the U.S., followed by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and gout. Although RA typically affects people aged 30-50, it can also impact children, teens, and younger adults. OA, on the other hand, commonly develops after the age of 50 or 60, and it tends to be more prevalent in overweight individuals. 

The overall risk factors for arthritis comprise obesity, age, gender, overuse injuries, genetics, 

and smoking. Being overweight puts added weight on joints such as the knees and hips, and losing excess weight can aid in reducing the risk of developing arthritis or alleviate symptoms if already present. Aging increases the risk of developing various forms of arthritis. Women are more likely to experience most types of arthritis except for gout, which affects men more commonly. Repetitive stress injuries during exercise, work, or other activities may also increase the risk of developing OA in the affected joint(s) later in life. A family history of autoimmune diseases or specific inherited genes may increase the risk of RA and other related types of arthritis. Additionally, smoking can worsen autoimmune diseases and increase the risk of developing RA.

What should you expect during your visit to an orthopedic surgeon near you?

Your first appointment with an orthopedic surgeon will be similar to a visit with any other medical practitioner. Initially, you must fill in the necessary paperwork, including insurance details. Be sure to take along any relevant medical records or past test reports. Your specialist will then ask you about any symptoms you may be experiencing and their duration and progress over time. 

Moving on, the doctor will likely conduct a physical examination and ask further questions to determine how these symptoms affect your daily life. They might also ask you to do simple exercises such as moving your arms, walking, climbing stairs, or bending down. These exercises will help them assess your reflexes, range of motion, and muscle strength. This way, the specialist can gauge your symptoms' impact and eliminate any specific diagnoses. 

Furthermore, the orthopedic surgeon might suggest you get some tests done to help them arrive at a conclusive diagnosis. These tests could include scans, X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or blood tests. During your appointment, ask any questions and get your doubts cleared. Your doctor will suggest different treatment options based on your diagnosis, including conservative medical management or surgeries.

How do you find a qualified orthopedic surgeon near you in Washington, D.C.? 

Living with chronic pain can hamper your quality of life. If you are facing pain in the joints or limbs or have problems with mobility, consider consulting an orthopedic surgeon. Finding a qualified practitioner with sufficient experience can take a lot of work. With Zocdoc, you can zero in on the right surgeon without leaving your home.

Create a free account on the Zocdoc platform and search for an orthopedic surgeon in Washington, D.C. With the convenient filters, you can look for a doctor using criteria such as location, gender, and languages spoken. You could also narrow your search to include only specialists treating children. Moreover, our versatile platform lets you search for doctors based on the symptoms you are experiencing. Additionally, with the convenient insurance detector, you can easily find an in-network professional. 

You can easily add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account if you have multiple insurance plans. However, it's important to note that you can only search and book an appointment with one insurance plan at a time. If you have multiple insurance plans, mention your secondary carrier and plan for the provider in the notes section in the last step of the booking process. Moreover, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you may add secondary insurance while filling out your forms online. For further insurance-related FAQs, refer to Zocdoc's Patient Help Center. 

Once you have the list of possible matches, click on individual profiles to check details such as experience, education, and hospital affiliations. We keep updating the profiles with verified reviews and ratings to help you make an informed choice. You could opt for a virtual appointment with the orthopedic surgeon before scheduling an in-person session.  

With the easy booking process, pick slots based on the doctor's availability and appointment times. Some practitioners may be available on weekends or outside of regular business hours. 

Booking appointments on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free!

Statistics on orthopedic surgeons in Washington, D.C. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics indicates that there are about 14,820 orthopedic surgeons nationwide.

According to figures provided by America's Health Rankings for 2023, around 26.3% of adults across the country reported having a healthcare professional inform them that they had some arthritis. The figures for D.C. were much lower at 16.6%. Statistics from the same source show that around 5.6% of adults aged 18-44 reported having arthritis, compared to 8.1% nationwide. 

Moreover, the number of women with arthritis far exceeded men with the condition at the national and regional levels. Around 29.1% of women and 21.4% of men nationwide have arthritis. For DC, the corresponding figures are 18.5% and 14.3%, respectively.

Sources

Healthline

WebMD

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

OrthoUnited

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics

Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

America's Health Rankings

Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida

Illinois Bone & Joint Institute

AICA Orthopedics

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.