What does an orthopedist do?

What is an orthopedist?

An orthopedist, also known as an orthopedic surgeon, is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Orthopedists are trained to provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments, depending on the nature of the condition and the individual patient's needs.

Orthopedists are involved in the management of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from common injuries like fractures and sprains to more complex conditions like spinal deformities and bone tumors. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and sports medicine specialists, to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to care. Orthopedists may also specialize in specific areas of orthopedics, such as sports medicine, joint replacement, or pediatric orthopedics, depending on their interests and training.

What does an orthopedist do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of an orthopedist can include the following:

Diagnosis and treatment: Orthopedists are responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from common injuries like fractures, sprains, and strains to more complex conditions like spinal deformities, arthritis, and bone tumors. They may use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to help diagnose these conditions, and they may recommend non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or medication, or surgical treatments like joint replacement or arthroscopic surgery.
Surgical procedures: Orthopedic surgeons are trained to perform a variety of surgical procedures to treat musculoskeletal conditions, including joint replacement surgery, arthroscopic surgery, spinal surgery, and fracture repair. They may use advanced technologies like computer-assisted surgery and robotics to improve surgical precision and outcomes.
Patient care: Orthopedists are responsible for providing compassionate and personalized care to their patients. This may involve working closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and occupational therapists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans and ensure that patients receive the care they need.
Research and education: Many orthopedists are involved in research to improve our understanding of musculoskeletal conditions and develop new treatments. They may also be involved in teaching and training medical students, residents, and fellows.
Rehabilitation: After a surgical procedure, orthopedists may work with physical therapists and other rehabilitation specialists to help patients regain strength, mobility, and function. They may also prescribe medications or other treatments to help manage pain and promote healing.
Patient advocacy: Orthopedists may be involved in advocating for policies and programs that support the health and well-being of their patients. They may work with policymakers, healthcare organizations, and other stakeholders to promote better access to care and improved outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Types of Orthopedists
There are several types of orthopedists who specialize in different areas of musculoskeletal care. Here are some common types of orthopedists:

General Orthopedists: General orthopedists diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, including fractures, arthritis, and back pain. They may also perform surgery to repair or replace damaged bones or joints.
Pediatric Orthopedists: Pediatric orthopedists specialize in the care of children's musculoskeletal systems. They treat a variety of conditions, such as congenital disorders, scoliosis, and bone fractures that occur during growth and development.
Sports Medicine Orthopedists: Sports medicine orthopedists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries. They work with athletes of all ages and skill levels to help them recover from injuries and prevent future ones.
Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopedists: Hand and upper extremity orthopedists specialize in the care of the hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders. They diagnose and treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff injuries.
Spine Orthopedists: Spine orthopedists specialize in the care of the spine and back. They treat a variety of conditions, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis.
Joint Replacement Orthopedists: Joint replacement orthopedists specialize in the surgical replacement of damaged or arthritic joints, such as the hip, knee, and shoulder. They may also perform revision surgeries to replace previously implanted joint replacements that have failed.
Oncologic Orthopedists: Oncologic orthopedists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and soft tissue cancers. They work closely with oncologists to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with musculoskeletal tumors.

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What is the workplace of an orthopedist like?

Orthopedists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. In hospitals, orthopedists may work in the emergency department to provide immediate care for patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries or inpatient care for patients undergoing surgery or rehabilitation. In clinics and private practices, orthopedists may see patients for outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, and non-surgical treatments.

The workplace of an orthopedist can be physically demanding, as they may spend long hours on their feet and may need to lift and move heavy equipment or patients. They may also work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, to accommodate emergency cases or surgeries.

Orthopedists may work as part of a larger healthcare team, collaborating with other medical professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and sports medicine specialists. They may also work closely with nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care for their patients.

Orthopedists may have a high level of autonomy in their work, making independent decisions about patient care and treatment plans. They may also have administrative responsibilities, such as managing patient records, overseeing staff, and ensuring that their practice is compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive List of Doctor Specializations and Degrees

Here is a comprehensive list of specializations that a doctor can pursue and a brief summary of each specialization:

Allergist: An allergist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, and related conditions. Allergists have specialized training in the recognition and management of allergic reactions.
Anesthesiologist: An anesthesiologist keeps a patient comfortable, safe and pain-free during surgery by administering local or general anesthetic.
Cardiologist: A cardiologist specializes in finding, treating, and preventing diseases that affect the heart, the arteries, and the veins.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon: A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in surgical procedures inside the thorax (the chest), which may involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. As well as performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs.
Chiropractic Neurologist: A chiropractic neurologist is a specialized type of chiropractor who has undergone additional training in the field of neurology. They diagnose and treat conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system.
Chiropractor: A chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic medicine, specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, especially in the spine. Treatment is usually physical manipulation of the joints and the spine to bring them back into alignment. A chiropractor does not perform surgery or prescribe medication.
Colorectal Surgeon: A colorectal surgeon specializes in diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus, as well as the entire gastric tract. These surgeons work closely with urologists, who handle the urogenital tract in males and the urinary tract of women, gynecologists, who deal with specific female issues, and gastroenterologists, who deal with diseases of the gut.
Doctor: An general overview of what a doctor does and how to become one.
Dentist: Dentists identify potential oral health issues such as gum disease, as well as examine patients, order medical tests and determine the correct diagnosis and treatment. They also perform oral surgery and remove teeth or address other dental health problems.
Dermatologist: A dermatologist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting skin, hair, sweat and oil glands, nails, and mucus membranes (inside the mouth, nose, and eyelids) which can include cancer.
Emergency Medicine Physician: An emergency medicine physician works in emergency departments, hospitals, and urgent care clinics, and is often the first medical professional that patients see when they are in need of urgent medical care.
Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist specializes in diagnosing conditions and diseases related to the glands and hormones. While primary care doctors know a lot about the human body, for conditions and diseases directly related to glands and hormones they will typically send a patient to an endocrinologist.
Family Practitioner: A family practitioner specializes in caring for the entire family. Patients can be children, adults, and the elderly, and are treated for a wide array of medical issues.
Forensic Pathologist: A forensic pathologist investigates the cause of sudden and unexpected deaths, and is able to determine how a person died by performing an autopsy and studying tissue and laboratory results. These doctors are often called upon to provide evidence in court regarding the cause and time of such deaths.
Gastroenterologist: A gastroenterologist has specific training in diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This may include diseases and disorders that affect the the biliary system (liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts), as well as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon).
Geriatrician: A geriatrician specializes in the care of elderly patients, and often works with patients who have multiple chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as age-related cognitive and functional impairments.
Gynecologist: A gynecologist specializes in women's reproductive systems. Gynecologists are also sometimes certified as obstetricians, and will monitor the health of the mother and the fetus during a pregnancy.
Hematologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders, such as anemia and leukemia.
Hospitalist: A hospitalist is a physician whose focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Their duties include patient care, teaching, research, and leadership related to hospital medicine.
Immunologist: An immunologist specializes in managing problems related to the immune system, such as allergies and autoimmune diseases. A smaller number of immunologists are strictly researchers seeking to better understand how the immune system works and to help develop better ways of diagnosing and providing treatment for many immunological conditions.
Infectious Disease Specialist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
Internist: An internist is a 'doctor of internal medicine' who can diagnose, treat, and practice compassionate care for adults across the spectrum, from health to complex illness. They are not to be mistaken with "interns," who are doctors in their first year of residency training.
Medical Examiner: Medical examiners are responsible for performing autopsies and collecting evidence related to the circumstances of a death, including medical history, physical examination findings, and toxicology tests.
Naturopathic Physician: A naturopathic physician blends modern scientific medical practice and knowledge with natural and traditional forms of medical treatment. The goal is to treat the underlying causes of disease while stimulating the body's own healing abilities.
Nephrologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. They treat conditions such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, kidney stones, hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances.
Neurologist: A neurologist specializes in treating diseases that affect the human nervous system. It is a very prestigious and difficult medical specialty due to the complexity of the nervous system, which consists of the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves.
Neurosurgeon: A neurosurgeon specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. This includes congenital anomalies, trauma, tumours, vascular disorders, infections of the brain or spine, stroke, or degenerative diseases of the spine.
Obstetrician: An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in caring for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Occupational Physician: Occupational medicine is focused on keeping individuals well at work, both mentally and physically. As workplaces become more complex, occupational physicians play an important role in advising people on how their work can affect their health.
Oncologist: An oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The three primary types of oncologists are: medical oncologists that specialize in the administration of drugs to kill cancer cells; surgical oncologists that perform surgical procedures to identify and remove cancerous tumors; and radiation oncologists that treat cancer with radiation therapy.
Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is a specialist that deals specifically with the structure, function, diseases, and treatment of the eye. Due to the complexities and the importance of the eye as a special sense that provides vision, the discipline of ophthalmology is dedicated solely to this organ.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: An oral and maxillofacial surgeon treats dental and medical problems involving the oral cavity and the maxillofacial area. The maxillofacial area includes the bones of the forehead, face, cheekbones and the soft tissues. Treatment often involves performing surgery and related procedures to treat diseases, defects, or injuries, and to improve function or appearance.
Orthopaedic Surgeon / Orthopedist: An orthopaedic surgeon (or orthopedist) examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves.
Orthodontist: An orthodontist specializes in how the jaws and teeth are aligned. They help people whose teeth are misaligned or require some kind of correction – those with an improper bite, or malocclusion.
Osteopath: Osteopaths have attended and graduated from an osteopathic medical school and practise the system of healthcare known as osteopathy. They consider all aspects of the patient, not just the symptoms they exhibit. They see the integrated nature of the body’s organ systems and its capacity for self-regulation and self-healing.
Otolaryngologist: Otolaryngologists (or ENT physicians) are specialists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. These specialists are trained in both medicine and surgery.
Pathologist: A pathologist studies the causes, nature, and effects of disease. The field of pathology is broad with concentrations on changes in cells, tissues, and organs that are the result of a disease.
Pediatrician: A pediatrician specializes in providing medical care to infants, children and teenagers by administering treatments, therapies, medications and vaccinations to treat illness, disorders or injuries.
Periodontist: A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in oral inflammation, and who knows how to prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal disease.
Plastic Surgeon: A plastic surgeon specializes in reshaping healthy body parts for aesthetic reasons, and also in repairing or replacing body parts damaged by accidents, illness or malformation.
Podiatrist: A podiatrist practices podiatric medicine, which is a branch of science devoted to the diagnosis, treatment and study of medical disorders of the foot, ankle, lower leg and lower back. In the U.S. and Canada, podiatry is practiced as a specialty.
Prosthodontist: A prosthodontist specializes in restoring the look, function, comfort, and health of a patient's oral cavity with artificial materials. These artificial materials are made up of a wide variety of restorations that include fillings, dentures, veneers, crowns, bridges and oral implants.
Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are physicians who evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who are affected by a temporary or chronic mental health problem.
Pulmonologist: A pulmonologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases of the chest, particularly pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and complicated chest infections.
Radiologist: A radiologist is a specialist in interpreting medical images that may be obtained with x-rays, (CT scans or radiographs), nuclear medicine (involving radioactive substances, magnetism (MRI), or ultrasound.
Rheumatologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Sports Medicine Physician: A sports medicine physician specializes in taking care of people who have sports injuries that may be acquired from playing sports, exercising, or from otherwise being physically active.
Surgeon: A surgeon performs surgery for the purpose of removing diseased tissue or organs, to repair body systems, or to replace diseased organs with transplants.
Urologist: A urologist specializes in the treatment of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. Urologists can treat the kidneys, urinary bladder, urethra, uterus, and male reproductive organs. There are also specific specialty areas that urologists may choose to focus on, such as pediatric urology, male infertility, and urologic oncology.
Vascular Medicine Specialist - A vascular medicine specialist specializes in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels. They may work with patients who have conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral artery disease, or pulmonary embolism.
Vascular Surgeon - A vascular surgeon specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels, including aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, and varicose veins.

Corresponding Degrees

See Also

Doctor Allergist Anesthesiologist Cardiologist Cardiothoracic Surgeon Chiropractor Colorectal Surgeon Dentist Dermatologist Emergency Medicine Physician Endocrinologist Family Practitioner Forensic Pathologist Gastroenterologist Geriatrician Gynecologist Hematologist Hospitalist Immunologist Infectious Disease Specialist Internist Medical Examiner Naturopathic Physician Nephrologist Neurologist Neurosurgeon Obstetrician Occupational Physician Oncologist Ophthalmologist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Orthopaedic Surgeon Orthodontist Osteopath Otolaryngologist Pathologist Pediatrician Periodontist Plastic Surgeon Podiatrist Prosthodontist Psychiatrist Pulmonologist Radiologist Rheumatologist Sports Medicine Physician Surgeon Urologist Vascular Medicine Specialist Vascular Surgeon Chiropractic Neurologist