What You Need to Know About Orthopaedic Surgeons
When it comes to conditions like back pain, dislocated joints, and even arthritis, patients reach out to orthopaedic surgeons. These specialists can diagnose and treat a range of conditions and work with all the common disorders that make up the field of orthopaedics.
With more than 200 bones in the body, these surgeons are often in demand. We look at the most important things to know about orthopaedic specialists.
What Are Orthopaedic Surgeons?
Orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialise in treating musculoskeletal conditions, including the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
They use both surgical and non-surgical methods to treat a wide range of conditions, including fractures, sprains and strains, common types of arthritis, osteoporosis, congenital disorders, and conditions that result from overuse or ageing.
These surgeons may perform procedures such as joint replacements, arthroscopy, and spinal surgery, among others. The goal of an orthopaedic surgeon is to restore function and reduce pain, allowing their patients to return to their daily activities and improve their quality of life.
Orthopaedic Surgeons and Specialists
Patients usually begin with non-surgical orthopaedics if they don’t yet have a clear diagnosis and don’t know if surgery would be required. Orthopaedics can effectively diagnose and treat a range of conditions, often without surgery, and the patient gets referred to a specialist surgeon only when needed.
Orthopaedic surgeons often treat critical injuries in patients who may need internal fixation of bone nails, plates, or screws for fractures to be stabilised, or who require bone grafting. These surgeons fulfil a collaborative role and surgeries typically involve consultation with other healthcare professionals.
What Does an Orthopaedic Surgeon Treat?
An orthopaedic surgeon can treat a range of medical issues that are related to the musculoskeletal system, including the following:
- Diseases like osteoporosis, scoliosis, tumours, and arthritis.
- Trauma like bone or muscle fractures and tears.
- Abnormalities like bowed legs, bunions, and club foot.
In terms of surgical procedures, an orthopaedic surgeon can perform joint replacements, repair fractures, repair soft tissue, and correct bone deformities. They also assist with the rehabilitation of a range of musculoskeletal injuries.
Training and Resources
Orthopaedic surgeons have a wealth of training behind them and have the resources, experience, and expertise to diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopaedic conditions.
Specialist surgeons can help to manage complex cases and high-risk conditions, especially when surgery is required. They also have access to many resources for rehabilitation, diagnosis, medicine, and pain medicine, and can help coordinate your care and keep track of your appointments.
Orthopaedic surgeons can diagnose and treat a range of conditions and perform surgeries like hip and knee replacements. Choosing the right orthopaedic specialist is important to effectively treat your condition and provide you with the knowledge and aftercare you need.
Dr Jan De Vos is an orthopaedic surgeon at the Wilgers Life Hospital in Pretoria and specialises in all hip, shoulder, and knee pathology. Get in touch today by phoning (012) 807-0335 to arrange a consultation.
