What Conditions Do Orthopedic Surgeons Treat

If you have an issue with your bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles, then you might need to see an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons are experts in treating issues related to the musculoskeletal system; however, not every condition will require surgery. You should learn more about what orthopedic surgeons do, the types of orthopedic doctors, and how orthopedic surgeon treatments work. What do orthopedic surgeons do?

What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon and What Do They Do?

An orthopedic surgeon is a trained medical professional who can treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. An orthopedic specialist is someone who can use medical care to address musculoskeletal conditions; however, an orthopedic surgeon is someone who has specific training to use surgery to correct musculoskeletal defects. 

An orthopedic surgeon completes four years of medical school and five years of residency to learn how to be an orthopedic surgeon. Then, some orthopedic surgeons complete a fellowship for additional subspecialty training. 

Prior to seeing an orthopedic surgeon or specialist, you may see your primary care doctor. If he or she is unable to completely address your issue, then he or she might refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for more evaluation. Then, an orthopedic surgeon will use a complete history, a detailed physical exam, and possible imaging studies to direct the treatment plan.

Types of Orthopedic Doctors

There are several types of orthopedic doctors you might encounter during your medical journey. A few examples include:

• Sports Medicine Doctor: A sports medicine doctor is a primary care physician who completes an additional year of training in sports medicine. He or she has specific training to address injuries related to the musculoskeletal system without using surgery.
• Orthopedic Surgeon: An orthopedic surgeon is someone who uses specialized, including surgery, to treat defects of the musculoskeletal system. This could include complicated bone fractures, muscle tears, and ligament tears.
• Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon: A pediatric orthopedic surgeon is an orthopedic surgeon who has completed additional training to treat complex musculoskeletal defects in children. This could also include congenital defects including spina bifida and scoliosis.

In addition, some orthopedic surgeons complete additional training to specialize in certain body parts including the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, or foot. You should work with a doctor who has the right type of training to address your specific concern.

Orthopedic Conditions and Treatments

There are numerous orthopedic conditions that a trained orthopedic surgeon may be able to treat. A few examples include:

• Knee Pain: This includes everything from a sprained knee to ligament tears.
• Hip Pain: This could include chronic conditions, such as arthritis, or an acute issue, such as a dislocation.
• Hand and Wrist Pain: This could include carpal tunnel syndrome, a radius fracture, or an ulnar fracture.
• Foot and Ankle Pain: This covers everything from plantar fasciitis to a tibia or fibula fracture.
• Shoulder Pain: This includes arthritis, frozen shoulder, and rotator cuff issues.
• Back Pain: An orthopedic surgeon can treat numerous causes of back pain including a herniated disc or compression fractures.
• Elbow Pain: This includes tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and even a tear of the UCL. 

These are just a few of the many conditions that a trained orthopedic surgeon may be able to address. If you are looking for an orthopedic specialist who can help you, then rely on the team from Rolling Hills Medical.

Rely on Rolling Hills Medical for Orthopedic Surgeon Treatments

If you are looking for trained professionals who can help you, then rely on an orthopedic specialist from Rolling Hils Medical for orthopedic treatment. At Rolling Hills Medical, we provide orthopedic surgeon treatments throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Torrance, CA. We provide new patients with a free consultation and we only use surgery as a last resort. Contact us today to make an appointment.