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What Orthopedic Doctors Do: Everything You Need to Know

If you are in pain, you may be wondering what orthopedic doctors do. Orthopedic doctors are specialists who treat conditions and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, bones, and joints. They can help with a wide range of issues, such as sports injuries, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, auto accident trauma, work-related injuries and more. In this article, we will discuss what orthopedic doctors do and how they can help you get back to feeling your best!

Orthopedic doctors use a variety of methods to diagnose and treat conditions. They will often take a medical history and conduct a physical examination. They may also order tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. Once they have made a diagnosis, they will develop a treatment plan that may include medication, physical therapy, minimally invasive surgery, spine surgery, and extremity orthopedic surgery.

What is a Board-Certified Orthopedist?

To be a board-certified orthopedic doctor, one must complete four years of medical school and an additional five years of residency training in orthopedic surgery. After completing their residency, they must pass a written and oral exam administered by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

There are many different types of orthopedic doctors, each with its own area of expertise. For example, some specialize in pediatrics, while others focus on sports medicine or spine surgery. When choosing an orthopedic doctor, it is important to find one who specializes in the type of injury or condition you have.

Some common conditions that orthopedic doctors treat are:

  • Arthritis 
  • Osteoporosis 
  • Tendonitis 
  • Bursitis 
  • Fractures 
  • Dislocations 
  • Sprains and strains 
  • Ligament tears 
  • Rotator cuff tears 
  • Achilles tendon rupture

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition that orthopedic doctors treat. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage between the bones breaks down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. 

Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis is another common condition that orthopedic doctors treat. This condition occurs when the bones become weak and brittle. This can lead to fractures. 

Tendonitis 

Tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons become inflamed. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. 

Bursitis 

Bursitis is a condition that occurs when the bursae become inflamed. This can cause pain and swelling. 

Fractures

Fractures

Fractures are a common injury that orthopedic doctors treat. A fracture is a break in the bone. This can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. 

Dislocations 

Dislocations are another common injury that orthopedic doctors treat. A dislocation is when the bone pops out of the joint. This can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. 

Sprains and Strains 

Sprains and strains are common injuries that orthopedic doctors treat. A sprain is a stretch or tear in the ligament. A strain is a stretch or tear in the muscle or tendon. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. Orthopedic doctors may recommend medications, physical therapy, or surgery to treat sprains and strains. Whiplash is a common injury that orthopedic doctors treat. This is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward. This can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches.

Ligament Tears 

Ligament tears are a common injury that orthopedic doctors treat. A ligament is a band of tissue that connects the bone to the joint. A ligament tear can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. 

Rotator Cuff Tears 

Rotator Cuff Tears are a common injury that orthopedic doctors treat. A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm. A rotator cuff tear can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. 

Achilles Tendon Rupture 

Achilles Tendon Rupture is a common injury that orthopedic doctors treat. The Achilles tendon is the tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone. An Achilles tendon rupture can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. 

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive Stress Injuries are common injuries that orthopedic doctors treat. These are injuries that occur from doing the same motion over and over again. Repetitive stress injuries can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a type of repetitive stress injury resulting from work-related injuries.

Types Of Orthopedic Surgeries

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery 

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat spine conditions. This type of surgery uses small incisions and special instruments to access the spine. Minimally invasive spine surgery can help to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce recovery time. 

Extremity Orthopedic Surgery 

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat conditions of the extremities. This type of surgery includes procedures such as hip replacement, knee replacement, and shoulder replacement. Extremity orthopedic surgery can help to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce recovery time. 

Orthopedic Surgery – Sports Medicine 

Orthopedic Surgery – Sports Medicine

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat sports injuries. This type of surgery includes procedures such as ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and meniscus repair. Orthopedic surgery sports medicine can help to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce recovery time. 

Arthroscopic Surgery 

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat joint conditions. This type of surgery uses small incisions and special instruments to access the joints. Arthroscopic surgery can help to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce recovery time. 

Joint Replacement Surgery 

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat joint conditions. This type

Spine Surgery

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat spine conditions. This type of surgery can include procedures such as laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion. Spine surgery can help to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce recovery time. 

Orthopedic Trauma Surgery 

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat injuries. This type of surgery can include procedures such as fractures, dislocations, and ligament tears. Orthopedic trauma surgery can help to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce recovery time.

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery 

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat conditions in children. This type of surgery can include procedures such as scoliosis surgery, clubfoot surgery, and hip dysplasia surgery. Pediatric orthopedic surgery can help to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce recovery time. 

Orthopedic Oncology Surgery 

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat cancer. This type of surgery can include procedures such as tumor removal, limb salvage, and bone grafting. Orthopedic oncology surgery can help to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce recovery time. 

Adult Reconstruction Surgery 

  • is a type of surgery that orthopedic doctors may recommend to treat conditions in adults. This type of surgery can include procedures such as hip replacement, knee replacement, and shoulder replacement. Adult reconstruction surgery can help to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce recovery time.

How Can Orthopedists Help After a Car Accident

Auto accidents are a leading cause of orthopedic injuries. Orthopedic doctors can treat these injuries with medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Common orthopedic injuries from auto accidents include: 

  • Whiplash
  • Fractures 
  • Dislocations 
  • Sprains and strains 
  • Ligament tears 
  • Rotator cuff tears 
  • Achilles tendon rupture

Medical Evaluation By An Orthopedist After An Accident

If you have been injured in an auto accident, it is important to see an orthopedic doctor for a medical evaluation. The orthopedic doctor will perform a physical examination and may order X-rays, MRI, or CT scan to diagnose the injury. Once the injury is diagnosed, the orthopedic doctor will develop a treatment plan. 

Medical History and Physical Examination 

The orthopedic doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. The medical history will include questions about the acca ident, the force of the impact, and any pain or symptoms you are experiencing. The physical examination will assess range of motion, muscle strength, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. 

Imaging Studies 

The orthopedic doctor may order X-rays, MRI, or CT scan to assess the injury. X-rays can show fractures and dislocations. MRI can show ligament and tendon tears. CT scan can show bony injuries and soft tissue injuries. 

Treatment Options 

Orthopedic Treatment Options

Orthopedic doctors treat injuries with medications, physicthe al therapy, and surgery. Medications can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles. Surgery can repair fractures, ligament tears, and tendon tears. 

After the injury’s severity, the patient’s age, and the treatment goals. The orthopedic treatment plan will be based on the severity of the injury, the age of the patient, and the goals of treatment. The orthopedic doctor may recommend conservative treatment or surgery. 

Conservative Treatment 

Conservative treatment is often recommended for patients who are not candidates for surgery or who do not want to have surgery. Conservative treatment can include medications, physical therapy, and activity modification. 

Medications 

The orthopedic doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to help reduce consist of inflammation. Over-the-counter medications can include ibuprofen or naproxen. Prescription medications can include steroids, muscle relaxants, or pain medications. 

Physical Therapy 

The orthopedic doctor may recommend physical therapy to help improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles. Physical therapy can be done at home or a physical therapy clinic. The physical therapist will design a custom exercise program to meet your needs. 

Activity Modification 

The orthopedic doctor may recommend activity modification to help the injury heal. Activity modification can include avoiding high-impact activities, wearing supportive shoes, and using assistive devices. 

Surgery 

The orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery to repair fractures, ligament tears, or tendon tears. Surgery can also be done to replace joints such as the hip or knee. The orthopedic surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you. 

Recovery 

After the orthopedic doctor treats the injury, you will begin the recovery process. The recovery process can take weeks to months depending on the severity of the injury. The orthopedic doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for the injury and when you can return to your normal activities. 

If you have been in an auto accident, it is important to see an orthopedic doctor for a medical evaluation.

Insurance Accepted

Our orthopedic doctors accept most insurance plans, including no-fault, workers’ compensation, PIP (personal injury protection), and medical liens. 

Orthopedic Offices In NY and NJ

We have multiple locations in New York and New Jersey to serve you better. Call us today to find an orthopedic doctor near you. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Please call (888) 412-8488 to schedule an appointment. Our orthopedic doctors will evaluate your injury and develop a treatment plan to help you recover. You may also request an appointment online by filling out our simple form below. We will contact you to confirm your appointment date and time. Thank you for choosing our Accident Help Zone!