| Medical physicians trained in diagnosis and treatment | | | | musculoskeletal surgeries are currently performed via |
| of disorders of the musculoskeletal system are | | | | arthroscope, which uses a small camera to evaluate |
| orthopedic surgeons. Even though they are classically | | | | or treat a variety of cartilage and ligament |
| trained in surgical procedures, many non-surgical | | | | dysfunctions. Joint replacements are another common |
| treatment modalities are used to improve function | | | | procedure used to repair fractures due to trauma or |
| after trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, | | | | delay the requirement for more invasive replacements |
| infection, tumor, and a variety of congenital disorders. | | | | later in life. The biggest drawback to joint replacement |
| An orthopedic surgeon training schedule is rigorous and | | | | therapy is the wear of component surfaces that bear |
| extensive. In addition to the usual four years of medical | | | | weight. While this may not be a significant factor to |
| school, physicians must complete a five-year residency | | | | consider in elderly patients only expected to live |
| program which typically includes one year of general | | | | another five or ten years, younger patients should be |
| surgery or internal medicine training and four years of | | | | warned of the eventual failure of the implant. |
| specific musculoskeletal training. Board certification is | | | | Development of ceramic and all-metal implants may |
| governed by the American Academy of Orthopedic | | | | improve longevity of the implant. |
| Surgeons. Separate standardized examinations can be | | | | The main goal of an orthopedic surgeon is to restore |
| completed to achieve an advanced Certificate of | | | | function after trauma, disease or injury. Patients are |
| Added Qualification (CAQ). Subspecialties that an | | | | usually referred via their primary care physician or |
| orthopedic surgeon may elect to undertake include | | | | after a visit to an emergency room. Young patients |
| hands, shoulders, elbows, knees, feet and ankles, | | | | are often seen after motor vehicle accidents or sports |
| musculoskeletal oncology, sports medicine and trauma. | | | | injuries. Elderly patients are commonly treated after |
| The most common procedures performed by this | | | | falls. Recommendations for treatment vary widely |
| type of physician are knee arthroscopy and | | | | depending on the current health of the patient, desired |
| meniscectomy, followed by shoulder arthroscopy and | | | | goals, and level of function lost. |
| decompression. Other common procedures include | | | | Examinations and tests that an orthopedic surgeon |
| carpal tunnel release, support implant removal, anterior | | | | may order include x-rays, MRIs, CT scans and/or |
| cruciate ligament repair, clavicle excision, laminectomy, | | | | laboratory analysis of blood. This type of physician is |
| finger tendon sheath incision, ankle fracture repair, total | | | | responsible for meeting with the patient before and |
| knee replacement, hip replacement, repair of femoral | | | | after surgery in order to address questions and outline |
| neck or trochanteric fracture, lumbar spinal fusion, as | | | | expectations for recovery. Follow-up medical support |
| well as debridement of skin or muscle. | | | | is often coordinated by the doctor in order to monitor |
| Arthroscopic techniques were first developed in the | | | | progress and assess any need for further treatment. |
| 1950s and are minimally invasive ways to repair | | | | Talk to your primary care physician or an orthopedic |
| cartilage and ligaments, reducing adverse risks and | | | | surgeon in your area today to discuss your |
| shortening post-operative recovery time. Most | | | | musculoskeletal disorders and healthcare needs. |