The world of medicine is very interesting. There are a lot of things to know about, and people even spend their entire lives learning about different medical professions. Today, we’re going to talk about one particular medical profession – orthopedic surgeons.
There are a lot of things to know about this field. The use of radiology and imaging, for example, is very important for this profession. In a field where pain management is so important, any type of imaging that can be used is going to be helpful in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
There’s a lot to know about this field, so much, in fact, that some people spend their entire lives learning about it. And there are different aspects to this field as well. For example, some orthopedic surgeons focus on pediatrics while others may focus on sports medicine.
So, without any more delay, let’s get into the world of orthopedic medicine so you can learn a little more about this field and what orthopedic surgeons do.
What Does Orthopedic Mean?
The word “orthopedic” is definitely an interesting one. If you’re someone who studies language you’re probably aware of how odd the word parts are when you put them together. The “ortho” portion of the word actually comes from the Greek word “orthos,” which means “straight.”
The “pedic” portion of the word comes from the Greek word “pedicles,” which means “children.” So, when you put those two words together, you get “straight children,” which is the literal translation of the word “orthopedic.”
But, of course, that’s not what the word means in the medical field. In the medical field, the word “orthopedic” refers to the branch of medicine that deals with the musculoskeletal system.
The musculoskeletal system is a pretty important system in the human body. It’s made up of the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. This system is responsible for helping us move. It also helps protect our organs.
There are a lot of different things that can go wrong with the musculoskeletal system. For example, someone may be born with a birth defect that affects the musculoskeletal system. Or, someone may develop a problem with their musculoskeletal system later in life due to an injury or infection.
There are a lot of different problems that can occur with the musculoskeletal system. Here are some of the most common problems:
- Bone fractures:
- This is when a bone is broken and is usually the result of trauma such as:
- car accidents
- falls
- sports injuries
- This is when a bone is broken and is usually the result of trauma such as:
- Dislocations:
- This is when a joint is moved out of its normal position. This can happen due to trauma or a congenital defect.
- Arthritis:
- This is a general term used to describe any condition that causes inflammation in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are:
- Osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid
- Arthritis
- gout.
- This is a general term used to describe any condition that causes inflammation in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are:
- Ligament and tendon tears:
- This is when the tissues that connect bones or muscles are torn. This can happen due to trauma or overuse.
- Muscle strains:
- This is when the muscles or tendons are stretched or torn. This can happen due to overuse, trauma, or poor conditioning.
- Back pain:
- This is a very common problem that can have many different causes such as:
- muscle strains
- herniated discs
- degenerative disc disease.
- This is a very common problem that can have many different causes such as:
The musculoskeletal system is very complex and, as you’ve likely gathered, there are many different problems that can occur with it. That’s where orthopedic surgeons come in. They are the medical professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose and treat problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic surgeons usually complete four years of medical school and then complete a five-year residency program. During their residency, they receive training in orthopedic surgery, trauma surgery, and sports medicine.
Orthopedic surgeons are trained to treat a wide variety of conditions. They can treat everything from simple fractures to complex spine problems. They also treat conditions that don’t require surgery, including arthritis, back pain, and muscle strains.
In addition to treating conditions, orthopedic surgeons also perform preventive care. They may recommend exercises or physical therapy to help prevent injuries. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as: quitting smoking, losing weight, and eating a healthy diet.
Orthopedic surgeons are an important part of the medical field. They are the experts on the musculoskeletal system and can help you with a wide variety of problems. If you have any concerns about your musculoskeletal system, be sure to see an orthopedic surgeon.
Specialty Orthopedic Surgeons
Throughout the last section, you probably noticed that we hinted at the fact there are different types of orthopedic surgeons. That’s because, just like any other medical field, there are different specialty areas. In this section, we’re going to talk about some of the different specialty areas within orthopedic surgery.
Orthopedic surgery is a very broad field and there are many different conditions that fall under its umbrella. Because of this, orthopedic surgeons often specialize in a specific area. This allows them to receive training in a particular area so they can provide the best possible care for their patients.
One of the most common specialty areas is pediatrics. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons treat children and adolescents. They often treat conditions that are present at birth. This can include things like birth defects, congenital conditions, and developmental problems.
They also treat conditions that develop later in life, including things like broken bones, sports injuries, and scoliosis.
Another common specialty area is sports medicine. Sports medicine orthopedic surgeons treat athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. They often treat injuries, such as ACL tears, meniscus tears, and rotator cuff tears. They also provide preventive care, by doing things like sports physicals and injury prevention advice.
There is also a specialty area called trauma. Trauma orthopedic surgeons treat patients who have been in accidents like car accidents, falls, and sports injuries. They often treat fractures, dislocations, and ligament/tendon tears. They also provide care for patients who have been in accidents that have resulted in amputations.
Another specialty area is the spine. Spine orthopedic surgeons treat patients who have problems with their spine, such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis. They often perform surgeries like disc replacement surgery, spinal fusion surgery, and laminectomy surgery.
Orthopedic surgery is a very broad field and there are many different specialty areas within it. These are professionals that have spent their lives studying the human body and are happy to help however they can.
How to Know if You Need an Orthopedic Doctor
Now we arrive at arguably the most important part of this article: how to know if you need to see an orthopedic surgeon. This is important because, as we’ve talked about, the musculoskeletal system is a very complex system.
There are many different problems that can occur with it and not all of them require the care of an orthopedic surgeon. So, how do you know if you need to see an orthopedic surgeon? The best way to answer that question is to talk to your primary care doctor. They will be able to give you a referral if they feel it is necessary.
Your primary care doctor more than likely understands your medical history and knows what kinds of problems you’re more susceptible to. They will also be able to perform a physical examination and determine if there is anything wrong with your musculoskeletal system.
If your primary care doctor does refer you to an orthopedic surgeon, it’s important to keep in mind that not all orthopedic surgeons are created equal. Just like any other medical field, there are different specialty areas. So, if your primary care doctor refers you to an orthopedic surgeon, be sure to ask what their specialty is.
If you’ve been in an accident, it’s also important to see an orthopedic surgeon. This is because orthopedic surgeons are specifically trained to treat trauma. Odds are that if you’re in a big enough crash, you’ll be taken directly to the hospital where an orthopedic surgeon will be able to treat you.
Another time you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon is if you’re having problems with your back. Back pain is a very common problem, but it can be difficult to diagnose. An orthopedic surgeon will be able to take a look at your spine and determine what’s causing your pain.
Getting The Best Medical Care Out There
A big part of taking care of yourself is simply making sure that you’re aware of all the different options that are available to you. The human body is a very complex system and there are many different problems that can occur with it. That’s why it’s important to know about all the different medical professionals who can help you.
Some people also find some comfort simply in knowing that there are people out there who are specifically trained to deal with the problems they’re facing. So, even if you don’t need to see an orthopedic surgeon right now, it’s still good to know that they’re out there and that they can help you if you ever do need them.