An orthopedic doctor, also known as an orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon, is a medical specialist who diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions and injuries involving the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves
What Orthopedic Doctors Do:
- They treat injuries caused by sports, physical activity, overuse, or aging.
- They manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and scoliosis.
- They help relieve pain and improve mobility in affected areas like the back, hips, knees, shoulders, hands, and feet.
- They may provide nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, braces, medications, or injections.
- They perform surgical procedures including joint replacements, bone grafting, meniscus repair, and arthroscopy when necessary
Scope of Practice:
Orthopedic doctors can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including:
- Sports injuries
- Degenerative diseases
- Congenital deformities
- Bone cancers (in collaboration with oncologists)
- Trauma and fractures
While many orthopedic doctors focus on surgery, they often begin with conservative, nonsurgical approaches to treatment. They also specialize in various subspecialties such as spine surgery, sports medicine, hand surgery, and pediatric orthopedics
. In summary, an orthopedic doctor is a physician specially trained to care for the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, using both surgical and nonsurgical methods to restore function and reduce pain in the musculoskeletal system
