Information about orthopedic surgeons

An orthopedic surgeonis a doctor specializes in a field of surgery known as orthopedics or orthopedics. These procedures are performed to treat conditions that relate to the body’s musculoskeletal system. Most commonly, orthopedic surgeons perform operations to great or correct musculoskeletal damage or deformities caused by sports injuries, trauma, infections, tumors, degenerative diseases, and congenital disorders.orthopedic surgery originated in the late 1700s as a means of treating skeletal deformities in children. Over time, the field has evolved greatly, and medical advancements in recent years have made it possible for orthopedic surgeons to safely and successfully treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal injuries and ailments in individuals of all ages.

Conditions that orthopedic surgeons work on

Knee and shoulder arthroscopic procedures are some of the most common surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeons. These operations allow surgeons to operate on and repair damaged tendons and ligaments in these areas using small, minimally invasive incisions. The majority of today’s surgical orthopedic treatments are performed arthroscopically to reduce healing time and minimize the chance of complications. Other procedures commonly performed by orthopedic surgeons include carpal tunnel release, repairing of breaks and fractures, knee replacements, and hip replacements. These procedures can be used to treat injuries as well as painful health conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Thanks to advancements in the ways these procedures are performed, injuries and surgeries that once took months to recover from can now heal in as little as a few days when done by a skilled orthopedic surgeon.

Training to become an orthopedic surgeon

Training to become and orthopedic surgery requires extensive education and hands-on experience. Students must first complete four years of undergraduate study followed by four years of medical school. Upon graduation from medical school, they must complete a five year residency training program in orthopedic surgery. The first year consists of general surgery followed by four years of hands-on orthopedic surgery training.

In addition to general orthopedic surgery, there are also numerous sub-specialties that doctors can choose to study. Through further training programs known as fellowships, doctors can spend an additional one to two years becoming specialists in areas such as pediatric orthopedics, musculoskeletal oncology, sports medicine, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, shoulder and elbow surgery, spinal surgery, or total joint reconstruction. Upon completion of his or her education, an orthopedic surgeon can become board certified. Those who have completed fellowships in hand surgery or sports medicine may also earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications.