Today we are going to talk about a topic that is important to many people. Do you sometimes feel pain in your body, joint pain, or some discomfort while walking? Who do we call when that happens? Today we are talking about a specialist who comes to our aid at such times - that is the orthopedic surgeon, or as we all know him, the doctor called Orthopedic Surgeon. Some also call him Orthopedist.
Who is this Orthopedic Surgeon?
Simply put, an orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in treating problems and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and tendons . They can help you get rid of pain, move better, and function normally.
What are these musculoskeletal problems?
This may seem like a big word, but it's simple. It refers to problems with the parts of our body that help us move and move. Think of our body as a machine made up of individual parts. Some of the main parts of this "machine" are the musculoskeletal system:
- Bones: These make up our body's skeleton.
- Cartilage: The cushion-like part between joints that prevents bones from rubbing against each other.
- Joints: Places where two bones connect together (e.g. knee, elbow).
- Ligaments: Strong, band-like structures that connect bones together.
- Muscles: Parts that help the body move and contract.
- Nerves: The nerves that carry messages from the brain throughout the body, allowing us to feel pain and touch.
- Tendons: Strong bands that connect muscles to bones.
If there is a problem in any of these areas, it can be considered a musculoskeletal problem.
What kind of diseases does an orthopedic surgeon treat?
These doctors treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Here are a few examples:
- Arthritis: Pain caused by joint degeneration, especially osteoarthritis.
- Benign soft tissue tumors.
- Bone cancer.
- Bursitis - Swelling of the fluid-filled sacs near the joints.
- Congenital defects: For example, clubfoot and hip dysplasia.
- Neck and lower back pain.
- Orthopedic trauma: Things like bone fractures.
- Sports injuries.
- Sprains and strains.
- Tendinitis - Inflammation of the tendon.
- Scoliosis - Curvature of the spine.
What is the difference between a Rheumatologist and an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Many people have this problem. Both of these doctors actually specialize in diseases related to our bones, joints, and muscles. They both treat certain diseases like arthritis, back pain, and osteoporosis. However, there are a few key differences.
- Orthopedic surgeons perform surgery . Rheumatologists generally do not perform surgery.
- An orthopedic surgeon focuses primarily on problems caused by injuries, congenital defects, and degenerative diseases caused by prolonged use of the body .
- On the other hand, a rheumatologist treats conditions caused by systemic diseases that affect the entire body. These can often be caused by problems with the immune system. Examples include lupus, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and some rare hereditary diseases.
However, sometimes these two doctors work together to treat patients. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon can work together to provide you with the best treatment.
What exactly does an orthopedic surgeon do?
Some orthopedic surgeons treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions (generalists). This means they do not limit themselves to one specific area. Others receive further training in a specific area and subspecialize in treating conditions related to that area.
Here are some of the orthopedic subspecialties:
- Foot and ankle surgery.
- Hand and upper extremity surgery.
- Joint replacement surgery.
- Orthopedic oncology - Treatment of tumors and cancers of the bones and soft tissues.
- Orthopedic trauma - severe injuries such as broken bones.
- Pediatric orthopedic surgery - Bone and joint problems in children.
- Spine surgery.
- Sports medicine - injuries and disorders of athletes.
What kind of medical training do these orthopedic doctors receive?
This is not an easy journey. Becoming an orthopedic doctor requires about 14 years of medical training .
- First, a four-year science degree (undergraduate studies).
- Then four years of medical school. This can be a traditional medical degree, which is an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine), or an osteopathic education, which is a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) degree. These D.O. doctors specifically consider a person's mind, body, and spirit, and follow a method of treating the 'whole person'.
- Next, you must complete an orthopedic residency, usually lasting five years. This is where you gain practical experience in a hospital environment and learn about various surgeries and treatments.
- If you want to subspecialize in another field, as mentioned above, you will have to complete another year or two of special training (fellowship).
After all this is done, they can become board-certified orthopedic surgeons. For that, they also have to pass special exams. After that, they have to continue learning new things and updating their medical knowledge (continuing medical education).
When should I see an orthopedic surgeon?
If you have any of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to see an orthopedic doctor:
- If there is a 'kiri kiri' sound or a 'tok' sound when the relevant junction is shaken.
- If there is swelling or redness (inflammation) at the joint.
- If you have joint pain .
- If you feel numbness or tingling .
- If you have restricted movement due to pain.
- If you feel tightness or stiffness in your body .
If you have symptoms like these, it's best to see a doctor without ignoring them.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Okay, let's say you just went to see the doctor. On the first day, here's what might typically happen:
- The doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, your medical history, and your lifestyle . They will ask you questions about what problems you have, how long you have had them, and when they tend to get worse.
- Your body will be examined. They will perform a physical exam, especially touching the affected joint in various ways . They will also check to see if the area is swollen, red, or painful to touch.
- You may be asked to take a test, such as an X-ray, to check the condition of your bones.
- Explains your diagnosis.
- Next, they will tell you about the treatment recommendations .
Sometimes, if you need to look deeper, a CT scan or MRI scan may be done. These can look at not only the bones, but also the soft tissues like cartilage and tendons. In that case, it may not be possible to tell exactly what the disease is and what the treatment plan is on the first day. In the meantime, the doctor will advise you to reduce your symptoms.
Does meeting an orthopedic surgeon mean you will definitely have to have surgery?
No, there is no such thing at all! That's a misconception that many people have. As soon as we hear the word "surgeon," we are afraid that we will have to undergo an operation.
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in both nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Surgery may be the first choice for orthopedic trauma or congenital conditions.
However, for most other conditions, doctors try nonsurgical therapies first. Sometimes more than one treatment is needed to achieve lasting relief. It is common to try several treatments at the same time. Only if none of these treatments relieve your symptoms should you consider surgery. Even then, your doctor will explain the details, risks, and benefits to you.
What are the nonsurgical therapies used by orthopedic surgeons?
Okay, let's see what can be done without surgery. There are many treatments like this:
- Special equipment: braces, slings (like a strap that hangs from the arm), plaster of Paris (casts - we call them POPs) or splints (splints - temporary straps that hold the bones or joints in place).
- Joint injections: Steroid medications, such as cortisone, to reduce pain and swelling. Sometimes, injections called viscosupplementation, which inject a lubricant into the joint, can be used.
- Non-opioid medications: Medicines like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (these should be taken as directed by a doctor).
- Physical therapy: Special exercises and treatments to loosen tight muscles, strengthen muscles, and increase joint mobility.
- Occupational therapy: Helps you to do everyday tasks, such as getting dressed and eating, again with ease if they are difficult due to illness.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This involves separating platelets from your own blood and injecting them back into the problem area. This is still an experimental treatment for some conditions.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts that help to position the foot properly. These can help reduce foot pain.
What types of surgeries do orthopedic surgeons perform?
Now let's see what kind of surgeries these doctors perform. The type of surgery that is right for you depends on the condition you have. Here are just a few examples.
Foot and ankle procedures
- Achilles tendon repair
- Bunion correction surgery - a protruding bone in the big toe.
- Hammertoe surgery - a condition in which the toes are bent.
- Plantar fasciitis release surgery - for pain in the sole of the foot.
- Total ankle replacement or fusion
Hand and upper extremity surgeries
- Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (Carpal tunnel release) - for hand numbness.
- Dupuytren's contracture surgery - a condition in which the fingers cannot be extended.
- Ganglion cyst removal - A fluid-filled cyst that forms in the wrist area.
- Rotator cuff surgery - to repair a torn tendon in the shoulder.
- Trigger finger surgery - A condition where a finger feels stuck when you bend and straighten it.
Joint replacement and reconstruction
- Total hip replacement
- Total and partial knee replacement
- Total shoulder replacement
- Less common procedures, like elbow or wrist replacement
Orthopedic trauma care
- Dislocation repair
- Fracture fixation - using wires and plates.
- Treatment for nonunion, malunion, or bone infection (osteomyelitis) after a fracture.
- Reconstructive surgery to repair severely broken bones or severely damaged joints.
Spine surgeries
- Laminectomy - Removal of a portion of the spinal cord to relieve nerve compression.
- Spinal decompression - Reducing pressure on the nerves.
- Spinal fusion - A surgery to stabilize the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae together.
Sports injury procedures
- Meniscus surgery - to repair torn cartilage in the knee.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair - to repair a major ligament in the knee.
- Rotator cuff tear repair
- Hip surgery for labral tears
Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)
So, an orthopedic doctor is someone who helps people of all ages with problems related to their bones, joints, and muscles. Some specialize in specific areas, such as the arms, legs, and spine. When you visit your doctor, be prepared to talk about your symptoms, past illnesses, and treatments you've tried.
Remember, seeing an orthopedic doctor doesn't always mean you have to have an operation.
They provide many people with non-surgical treatments such as injections and physical therapy. Therefore, if you are also experiencing pain or discomfort in your body or joints, do not hesitate to see an orthopedic surgeon and seek advice.
` Orthopedist, Orthopedic Surgeon, Bone Diseases, Joint Diseases, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Surgery
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න