Bringing an orthopedic doctor onto a medical team can help improve the quality of care for patients. Their expertise helps people of all ages and abilities reduce pain and discomfort through preventive and curative care. Browse this guide to better understand the duties, skills and qualifications of an orthopedic doctor.
Orthopedics, also known as orthopedic surgery, is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the skeletal system and its interconnecting parts. These parts include the following:
There are generally two types of orthopedists: surgical and nonsurgical. The former are called orthopedic surgeons, while nonsurgical orthopedists include physiatrists and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists.
Orthopedists treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions may be present from birth, or they may result from an injury or age-related wear and tear.
Below are some of the most common conditions that an orthopedist may treat:
some type of stress, strain, or damage involving muscles, ligaments, and joints. Adults, in particular, may experience muscle-related discomfort due to age-related conditions, temporary inflammation, and corresponding medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Orthopedics is a medical specialty that deals with treating bones and muscles. Orthopedic surgery is the branch of medicine focused on concerned with diseases, injuries, and conditions of the musculoskeletal system relating to the body's muscles and skeleton. This includes the joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.