Our bones together with joints and muscles enable every movement that includes lifting, bending and waving. Orthopaedic surgeons receive specialized education to diagnose and treat conditions which affect all parts of the body movement system including bones joints ligaments tendons and spine. These medical professionals repair injuries that result from accidents or sports activities or natural deterioration through time (WebMD). The medical professionals perform joint replacement surgery for hips and knees and bone straightening operations on incorrectly healed fractures. The medical professionals support healing through both therapeutic interventions and orthopedic support devices. The treatments provided by orthopaedic surgeons enable patients to recover their physical abilities together with their mobility and self-assurance. The medical professionals assist all age groups starting from children with spinal deformities to senior patients who need joint replacement to regain their ability to stand upright without pain and move without restrictions (Healthline).
Your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles all make up your musculoskeletal system. It’s common to feel pain in these areas because they help you move every day. Orthopaedics is the part of medicine that looks after these body parts. An orthopaedic surgeon or orthopaedic doctor (also called an orthopaedist) is a doctor who works in this area (Cleveland Clinic). They can do surgery, but they also know how to treat problems without surgery. Orthopaedics is a big field, so most orthopaedic doctors focus on a certain area. For example, some focus on hands, feet, or sports injuries. Orthopaedists are specialists. Most of the time, your GP (family doctor) will send you to see one. Your GP will also tell you what type of orthopaedist is right for your problem.
Orthopaedists train for up to 14 years. This includes four years at university and another four years at medical school. They can study to become a doctor of medicine (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy (DO). Osteopaths look at the whole person — mind, body, and health together (Perth Orthopaedic Surgery).
After this, they do five years of residency in a hospital to get hands-on experience. If they want to focus on a smaller area, they also do a one- or two-year fellowship.
After all this, orthopaedists can take a test to become board certified. This means they pass an exam from a trusted group like the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. They also need to keep learning through courses during their career.
Orthopaedic surgeons treat many conditions that affect your bones, muscles, and joints. Some of the most common problems they treat include (CHRISTUS Health):
Orthopaedic doctors give different treatments based on the problem. Let’s look at some of them below (WellWisp):
Nonsurgical Treatments
These are also called conservative treatments. Most doctors will try these before thinking about surgery. Some nonsurgical treatments include:
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical methods don’t work, the doctor may suggest surgery. Some types of surgery orthopaedic doctors do are:
When you see an orthopaedic surgeon for the first time, they will ask about your health history and your symptoms. It’s good to bring any test results or reports you have. To find out what’s wrong, they might do some tests. These can include X-rays, MRI scans, or simple physical checks.
Sometimes, the doctor may figure out the problem just by talking to you and asking the right questions. Once they know what the issue is, they will talk to you about your treatment options. These might include surgery, a cast or brace, or even exercises you can do at home.
An orthopaedic surgeon is a highly trained doctor who looks after your bones, joints, and muscles. They know how to treat these problems both with and without surgery. Their work helps people feel better, move easier, and live healthier lives. Because they keep learning new things in their field, they stay up to date and always try to give you the best care.
If you ever feel pain or have a problem with moving, it’s a good idea to speak to an orthopaedic doctor. They can help you get back to your normal life and keep your body working well. Let an experienced orthopaedic surgeon help you stay active and strong.
At Heal Private, we offer some of the best orthopaedic surgeons in the UK with no waiting times. You can see a doctor quickly and get expert help for any bone, joint, or muscle problems. Our experienced team is trusted, skilled, and focused on helping you feel better and move more easily. We make quality orthopaedic care fast, simple, and stress-free.