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Role of the orthopedist

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.

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What is orthopedics?

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:

  • Bones
  • Muscles
  • Joints
  • Tendons
  • Ligaments
  • Nerves

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.

  • Physician assistants
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Occupational and physical therapists
  • Athletic trainers

What do orthopedists treat?

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:

  • Joint pain from arthritis
  • Bone fractures
  • Soft tissue injuries, which are those that affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Overuse and sports injuries, including sprains, tendinitis, meniscus tears, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
  • Congenital conditions, such as clubfoot and scoliosis
  • Bone cancer

Treatments

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.

Specialties

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.

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