The Medical Specialty of Orthopedics
Orthopaedics is devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation
and prevention of injuries and diseases of your body's musculoskeletal
system. This complex system includes your bones, joints, ligaments,
tendons, muscles and nerves and allows you to move, work and be active.
Once devoted to the care of children with spine and limb deformities,
orthopaedics now cares for patients of all ages, from newborns with
clubfeet to young athletes requiring arthroscopic surgery to older
people with arthritis. And anybody can break a bone.
 Your
Orthopaedist
Managing the special problems of the many regions of the
musculoskeletal system, your orthopaedist is skilled in the
- Diagnosis of your injury or disorder
- Treatment with medication, exercise, surgery or other
treatment plans
- Rehabilitation by recommending exercises or physical
therapy to restore movement, strength and function
- Prevention with information and treatment plans to prevent
injury or slow the progression of diseases.
While most orthopaedists practice general orthopaedics, some may
specialize in treating the foot, hand, shoulder, spine, hip, knee, and
others in pediatrics, trauma or sports medicine - some may specialize in
several areas. A medical doctor with extensive training in the proper
diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal
system, orthopaedists have completed up to 14 years of formal education:
- Four years of study in a college or university
- Four years of study in medical school
- Five years of study in orthopaedic residency at a major medical
center
- One optional year of specialized education
After establishing a licensed practice, your orthopaedic surgeon then
demonstrates mastery by passing both oral and written examinations given
by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. In addition, each year
your orthopaedist spends many hours studying and attending continuing
medical education courses to maintain current orthopaedic knowledge and
skills.
Treatment
Orthopaedic patients have benefited from technological advances such
as joint replacement and the arthroscope that allows the orthopaedist to
look inside a joint. But your visit will start with a personal interview
and physical examination. This may be followed by diagnostic tests such
as blood tests, X-rays, or other tests.
Your treatment may involve medical counseling, medications, casts,
splints, and therapies such as exercise, or surgery. For most
orthopaedic diseases and injuries there is more than one form of
treatment. Your orthopaedist will discuss the treatment options with you
and help you select the best treatment plan to enable you to live an
active and functional life.
This information is excerpted from the
public information pages of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,
an excellent information resource. |
