About Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopedics refers to the medical specialty area concerned with the skeletal and muscular systems and their associated joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat issues and injuries related to these structures. They have a variety of tools at their disposal including braces, therapies and surgical procedures.
Treatment Areas
Orthopedic doctors treat a variety of ailments, the most common of which is fractured or broken bones.
- Osteoporosis
- Congenital skeletal disorders
- Joint transplants
- Sport related injuries
- Bone tumors or neoplastic growths
- Bone cancer removal
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel
- Injuries to the cartilage or soft tissues of the shoulder, hip and knee joints
- Injuries to cartilage and ligaments
- Back related injuries and abnormalities
- Trauma to skeletal or related structures
Specialty Areas
Orthopedic doctors either maintain a general status or they specialize in one of several areas. Specialty orthopedists are highly trained in the surgical and non-surgical treatment options of their field.
- Bones and related structures of the hand
- Bones and related structures of the back and spine
- Sports injuries
- Joint replacement
- Orthopedic pediatrics
- Orthopedic oncology
- Arthroscopic surgery
Work Environment
Orthopedic doctors are found in private practice; at hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitations facilities; contracted by professional sports organization; teaching at medical schools and in research facilities.
Education
- Medical degree
- Five year minimum orthopedic residency
- Optional fellowship for specialty training
- Certification with professional organizations requires meeting their individual training requirements and passing applicable examinations
Professional Organizations
- American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
- American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
- Board of Specialty Societies which includes 22 individual associations for orthopedic specialty areas such as the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Hip society