If you’ve ever wondered what an orthopedic surgeon does, wonder no more! I’m here to give you a peek into the world of these medical professionals. Orthopedic surgeons are specialists who treat musculoskeletal problems. It includes everything from fractures, congenital deformities and joint replacements to sports medicine honolulu hi. But what does an orthopedic surgeon do?
Lower Back Pain
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons defines orthopedics as a specialty that deals with injuries and diseases which affect bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. This may include treating some arthritis-related conditions.
Osteoarthritis primarily affects the small joints in your hands or feet but can also affect a person’s larger weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees.
Orthopedic surgeons review a patient’s medical history, give a thorough examination of the joints involved, order imaging studies when necessary, and may even perform arthroscopic surgery. The doctor chooses the appropriate orthopedic treatment palmdale ca using non-surgical or surgical measures that are beneficial to the patient.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a type of pain that runs along the sciatic nerve path. This is often caused by reduced space in the spine for the nerve, which can occur from a herniated disc or degenerative changes in the spine, or simply from age-related changes affecting one or more of your joints.
Orthopedic surgeons treat cases of sciatica by combining non-surgical treatments with surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the problem.
Orthopedic surgeons treat lower back pain and other conditions affecting the spine not caused by trauma. These include infections, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spondylosis, and stenosis.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to one side. In some cases, the angle may be so pronounced that it causes pain or difficulty breathing.
Hip pain can signify several different conditions, including arthritis of the hip joint and referred pain from problems in another part of your body, such as your back. Orthopedic surgeons commonly treat patients with hip pain caused by arthritis.
An orthopedic surgeon has completed a 4-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree, three years of medical school, and then an additional 4 to 5 years in the residency program, focusing on general surgery and then specialized training in orthopedics. The doctor must become licensed for independent practice after graduating from medical school.
Neck Pain
Muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back help you rotate your head from side to side. Neck pain occurs when these muscles become inflamed from a strain or sprain.
In addition to imaging studies, an orthopedic surgeon may consult with a neurologist to care for patients with spine problems related to their nervous system, such as a herniated disc.
An orthopedic surgeon performs surgery to correct ligament and tendon injuries of the extremities, including muscles, tendons, and joints. Orthopedic surgeons also treat fractures and dislocations of bones that must be surgically repaired.
An orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor specializing in treating musculoskeletal problems, including everything from fractures and joint replacements to sports injuries and congenital deformities. Orthopedic surgeons may treat arthritis, sciatica, neck pain, and hip pain. Find a specialist who can optimize a treatment suiting your individual needs.
