An Orthopaedic surgeon is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. They perform a wide range of procedures, from minimally invasive surgery to joint replacement.
The role of an orthopaedic surgeon is to help patients regain their mobility and function after an injury or illness. They may perform surgery to repair a broken bone, remove a tumour, or replace a joint. They may also provide non-surgical treatment, such as physical therapy or pain management.
Orthopaedic surgeons must have a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. They must also be skilled in surgical techniques and have excellent hand-eye coordination. In addition, they must be able to communicate effectively with patients and their families.
The expertise of an orthopaedic surgeon is vast. They are educated in treating a wide range of conditions, including:
- Bone fractures
- Joint injuries
- Sports injuries
- Degenerative diseases, such as arthritis
- Congenital disorders
- Tumours
- Infections
Orthopaedic surgeons also play a role in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. They can provide advice on how to maintain healthy bones and joints, and they can help patients develop safe exercise programs.
If you are experiencing pain or limited mobility in your musculoskeletal system, an orthopaedic surgeon can help. They can diagnose the cause of your problem and develop a treatment plan that will help you get back to your active lifestyle.
Here are some of the specific procedures that orthopaedic surgeons perform:
Arthroscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to view the inside of a joint. It is often used to repair torn cartilage or ligaments.
Joint replacement: This is a procedure to replace a damaged joint with an artificial one. It is commonly performed for knee and hip arthritis.
Bone fusion: This is a procedure to join two bones together. It is often used to treat fractures or deformities.
Spinal surgery: This is a procedure to repair or replace damaged spinal discs or bones. It is commonly performed for back pain or neck pain.
Orthopaedic surgeons are highly skilled and specialised doctors who can help you regain your mobility and function. If you are experiencing pain or limited mobility in your musculoskeletal system, be sure to see an orthopaedic surgeon.
Here are some additional things to know about an orthopaedic surgeon:
- They typically obtain a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree. They then complete a five-year residency program in orthopaedic surgery.
- After obtaining an MBChB degree, they will need to complete a two-year internship at a recognised healthcare institution. During this time, they will gain practical experience in various medical specialities.
- Finally, one year of community service is to be completed in a public facility before moving into the private sector.
Orthopaedic surgeons play an important role in the healthcare system. They help people of all ages regain their mobility and function after an injury or illness.
If you reside in Gauteng, Dr Jan De Vos from Pretoria Hip and Knee should be your specialist of choice. Read the patient testimonials on our website’s homepage and that will give you more than enough confidence to reach out to Dr De Vos for your musculoskeletal health concerns. You should also take some time to read through the FAQ’s on our website.
