For most people, the word ‘orthopedist’ is still something of a mystery. That’s why it’s common to get confused about the role of an orthopedic surgeon, a specialized professional in this field. If you haven’t ever visited an orthopedic surgeon in Austin for surgery, you probably will have loads of questions regarding what they do and how they can help you. There are still many others who fear going under the knife of orthopedic surgeons.
But if you truly need to understand this medical specialty, you must be aware of a few things. This post will familiarize you with an orthopedic surgeon and what they do.
1. Orthopedic Surgeons Diagnose and Treat Multiple Conditions
Orthopedic surgeons are well-known for diagnosing and treating sports injuries, such as strains and joint dislocations. But not many people know that these medical professionals treat more than these conditions that everyone from infants, children, adults, and seniors can encounter.
Here are the common conditions that orthopedic surgeons treat;
- Trauma
- Fractures or bone breakage
- Joint dislocations
- Tears in ligaments and tendons
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis and the resulting knee pain
- Hip dysplasia
2. Orthopedic Surgeons Have Board Certification
Orthopedic surgeons are required to be board-certified by law. Every surgeon has passed the United State Medical Licensing Examination or USMLE, which showcases their expertise in their field. A board-certified surgeon can be expected to impart the highest quality care to their patients.
So if for instance you need the services of a jacksonville orthopedic surgeon (or indeed one elsewhere), you’ll be able to check on their website about their certifications. Apart from this, you can also find that specific surgeon on the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery or ABOS and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons AAOS databases.
3. Orthopedic Specialists Are Not the Same As Orthopedic Surgeons
Many people consider orthopedic specialists the same as orthopedic surgeons. But this is a common misconception. Not every orthopedic doctor has the surgical training that an orthopedic surgeon has. An orthopedic specialist is the designation of any professional or doctor in this domain. These professionals can diagnose and treat a number of orthopedic conditions, such as joint pain, osteoarthritis, and ligament injuries. An orthopedic surgeon is a professional who is qualified to carry out surgical interventions.
4. Children Can See Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgery began with treating children suffering from bone-related abnormalities. Now, children and adults alike can see an orthopedic surgeon. What’s more, over 2 million children in the USA are already seeing orthopedic surgeons for sports-related injuries. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons undergo comprehensive training and have deep expertise in treating injuries in children. They treat children for the following:
- Fractures
- Scoliosis
- Congenital hand and upper extremity disorders
- Sports injuries
- Clubfeet
- Complex hip deformities,
5. Orthopedic Surgeons Have Expertise in Various Treatments
Injuries in bones and muscles can arise due to a multitude of reasons. , Surgeons in Advanced orthopedics are skilled in several treatment options. Although they are surgeons by profession, they perform nonsurgical procedures equally well. Moreover, they prefer nonsurgical options over surgical interventions to cause minimum disruption to your body.
These professionals also prescribe medication to reduce pain and swelling, like the ones from OVAX. You can also take advice from them regarding recovery after physical therapy post-surgery. They will offer you various lifestyle-related recommendations to help you prevent further injuries. For additional support during your recovery journey, consider exploring products like those offered by OrthoBracing, known for their quality and effectiveness in aiding rehabilitation.
When the need for surgical intervention arises, orthopedic surgeons first focus on minimally invasive operations. Here they only use small incisions, so there is less damage to the body.
6. Orthopedic Surgeons Work in Collaboration with Other Medical Professionals
An orthopedic surgeon collaborates with other healthcare experts to develop the most effective care plan. The professionals examine your medical tests before surgery until the end of your operation.
If you really need to undergo surgery, nurses and pain specialists will help your orthopedic surgeon during the operation. The surgeons work closely with other medical providers and also serve as consultants to other medics. They may work at an orthopedic or multispecialty group, in a solo practice, or as an employee of a healthcare facility. Depending on your specific condition, orthopedic surgeons may collaborate with other specialists, such as neurosurgeons or rheumatologists.
Summing up
An orthopedic surgeon provides competent and compassionate care, keeping the patient’s best interests in their mind. Hopefully, by now, you have gained a better understanding of this important medical professional. It will help you appreciate their work and reach out to them if needed.
If you or your loved one is experiencing pain in muscles, bones, or joints, an orthopedic surgeon from Advanced Pain Care can help. The board-certified professionals in Texas’s leading pain management center get to the bottom of the pain to provide an effective treatment plan. The orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Pain Care (APC) are committed to providing top-of-the-line personalized care. Contact APC today to learn more about their orthopedic services.
