The field of orthopedics is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries and diseases affecting the body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Many people seeking care for conditions like chronic joint pain or acute sports injuries often wonder if these specialists primarily perform operations or manage conditions conservatively.
The Orthopedic Surgeon’s Scope of Practice
Orthopedic surgeons are physicians who have completed extensive post-graduate medical training culminating in a surgical residency. The terms “orthopedist” and “orthopedic surgeon” are frequently used interchangeably, reflecting that their foundational training is centered on operative techniques. Their comprehensive role, however, extends far beyond the operating room.
An orthopedic surgeon’s practice involves establishing an initial diagnosis, developing a complete treatment plan, overseeing rehabilitation, and implementing measures to prevent future injuries. This holistic approach means they evaluate all potential avenues for a patient’s recovery. The decision to proceed with surgery is generally made after conservative measures have been exhausted or when the severity of the condition necessitates immediate mechanical correction.
When Surgery is Necessary: Common Procedures
The surgical interventions performed by orthopedic specialists are diverse, addressing everything from sudden traumatic injuries to chronic degenerative conditions. Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is one of the most common procedures, particularly for patients with advanced osteoarthritis. This involves removing damaged portions of a joint, such as the hip or knee, and replacing them with prosthetics.
Trauma care is another fundamental area, focusing on the repair of broken bones and complex fractures. Surgeons use internal fixation techniques, such as placing metal plates, screws, rods, or pins, to stabilize the bone fragments and promote proper healing.
Minimally invasive techniques, like arthroscopy, are routinely used to treat conditions within joints such as the knee, shoulder, and ankle. During arthroscopy, the surgeon inserts a small camera and specialized instruments through tiny incisions to repair damaged cartilage, torn ligaments like the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), or rotator cuff tears. This approach typically results in quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Spinal surgery is also a significant part of the orthopedic surgeon’s practice, involving procedures like laminectomy to relieve pressure on nerves or spinal fusion to stabilize segments of the spine.
Managing Conditions Without Surgery
Despite the surgeon designation, a large portion of an orthopedic surgeon’s practice is dedicated to conservative management, which is often the first line of treatment. Non-surgical options are prioritized for many conditions, including early-stage arthritis, muscle strains, tendonitis, and certain types of fractures.
Physical therapy is frequently prescribed to strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns. Specialists also employ various medications, typically starting with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to manage pain and reduce inflammation. For more targeted relief, joint injections are common, including corticosteroids that deliver a strong anti-inflammatory agent directly into the affected area.
Other non-operative modalities include bracing, casting, or splinting to immobilize and protect an injured area, allowing for natural healing. For knee osteoarthritis, viscosupplementation involves injecting a gel-like substance into the joint to improve lubrication and cushioning.