What does an orthopedic surgeon do?

Co robi lekarz ortopeda

What an orthopedic doctor does – he diagnoses and then determines the treatment of all diseases or temporary post-traumatic disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. In addition, he conducts proceedings regarding the occurrence and recurrence of pathologies in this regard. An orthopedic specialist treats diseases that affect people of all ages. From genetic defects in infancy, through developmental disorders, to acquired pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. And diseases that develop with age. What else is worth knowing about the orthopedist? 

Who is an orthopedist?

A specialist doctor who deals with diagnostics as well as conservative and surgical treatment:

  1. Firstly – diseases and post-traumatic changes of the musculoskeletal system, mainly the skeleton (with the exception of the skull bones).
  2. Second, muscles and nerves.
  3. Thirdly, congenital or acquired diseases.
  4. Fourthly – the body’s ligament and joint system.

In addition, he determines and conducts preventive proceedings in the matter of the appearance, progress and recurrence of changes in the musculoskeletal system.

It often happens that an orthopedist from Ortho Expert cooperates with other specialists, including:

  • Physiotherapist,
  • neurologist,
  • rheumatologist.

It also provides comprehensive medical care to its patients.

Orthopedist – what does he really do?

As mentioned above, the orthopedic doctor recognizes (diagnoses) and treats all abnormalities that may occur in the system:

  • bone,
  • muscular,
  • nervous,
  • Articular.

What exactly does an orthopedic surgeon do?

  • Deciding on the need to refer patients to other specialists, e.g. neurologist or physiotherapist;
  • He may refer you for additional tests, e.g. ultrasound, x-ray;
  • Dressing of musculoskeletal injuries, post-traumatic complications, as well as estimating the prognosis and recovery time, which concerns the regeneration of tissues affected by pathology;
  • Planning and implementing conservative treatment, i.e. determining pharmacotherapy in chronic joint pain syndromes, as well as selecting orthopedic supplies;
  • Performing surgical procedures on bones and other systemic organs;
  • Preparing medical recommendations for patients;
  • Cooperation with physiotherapists in order to create a program of improvement, supervision and assessment of the effectiveness of one’s own work, as well as cooperation on the part of the patient;
  • Ordering physiotherapeutic treatments, including: electrotherapy, cryotherapy, magnetic field, ultrasound.

What does an orthopedist treat?

First of all, it treats:

  • Genetic diseases that affect the motor functionality of the body;
  • Joint-ligament system;
  • Injuries to the bones and surrounding soft tissues;
  • Peripheral nerve damage;
  • posture defects,
  • All kinds of bone inflammations,
  • Degenerative changes.

In addition, the orthopedist also deals with:

  • Consultations in the field of: limb prostheses, motor rehabilitation or orthopedic supplies;
  • Cancerous and infectious changes in the bones.

What does an orthopedist do – specializations

The orthopedist can limit his activities to a narrow group of patients. Why? Because the range of demand for musculoskeletal doctors is very wide. The following can be distinguished among them:

  • Pediatric orthopedist – a specialist in diagnosing and treating infants after they reach maturity. He conducts research and functional tests on them. He deals with the diagnosis of congenital defects of newborns, as well as acquired defects of posture in children. In addition, it educates parents on the prevention and treatment of bad posture;
  • A sports orthopedist who deals with injuries that occur during physical activity and sports. In addition, he conducts periodic control examinations of athletes in terms of changes that occur in the musculoskeletal system. It controls the effectiveness of training methods. He treats and directs you to physical rehabilitation and biological regeneration. Optimizes patients’ nutritional methods. He fights doping. It also prevents injuries;
  • Foot orthopedist dealing with injuries within the joints and bones of the foot. This applies to bunions, hammer toes, stiff toes, flat feet, ingrown nails. He also performs ankle arthroscopy . He advises on the selection of insoles or orthopedic footwear. He may refer you to post-traumatic or post-operative foot physiotherapy.

Traumatologist and orthopedist

Many people use these names interchangeably, but it is important to know that they are not the same. When non-invasive treatment turns out to be insufficient, the orthopedist performs surgical operations. A traumatologist is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in invasive methods of diagnosis and treatment. Repairs damage to the locomotor system caused by accidents. The traumatologist reconstructs movement structures using:

  • implants,
  • Adhesives with complete biocompatibility,
  • tiles,
  • stabilizers,
  • screws,
  • fillers.

The following should be specified:

  • hip and knee arthroplasty ;
  • Arthroscopy (shoulder, hip, knee, wrist or ligament);
  • treatment of rheumatoid diseases;
  • treatment of osteoporosis;
  • Treatment of bone damage and fractures;
  • treatment of bone unions;
  • spine surgeries;
  • pelvic surgeries;
  • Overuse, sprain or dislocation of the joint;
  • Realloplasty of the hip and knee joints;
  • Removal of bone tumors.

The article was created thanks to orthopedic specialists from Ortho Expert and the www.skp.edu.pl website

 

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