What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

About Orthopedic Surgeons

An Orthopedist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system comprising of the body’s bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments.

Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat musculoskeletal trauma and are known for treating/setting broken bones, sports injuries, torn ligaments/tendons, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

Orthopedic/Sports medicine specialists work in conjunction with doctors from other disciplines through referral and the sharing of patient health records and test results/analysis including Radiologists, Pain Management Specialists, Rheumatologists, and Emergency Medicine.

Orthopedists practice in a number of different environments from maintaining a private practice to working in a hospital or even working with sports teams.

Sub-specialties in orthopedic medicine include hand surgery, shoulder and elbow surgery, joint reconstruction, pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, musculoskeletal oncology, and surgical sports medicine.

Treatment also covered by Orthopedists are joint replacements (knee and hip) as well as the use of prosthetics. Some of the more common procedures orthopedic surgeons perform include shoulder arthroscopy; Carpal tunnel release, fracture repair, lumbar spinal fusion, and intervertebral disc surgery.

Useful Resources

Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Canadian Orthopaedic Association

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Newfoundland and Labrador

New Brunswick