What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do? A Complete Guide

Introduction

Orthopedic health plays a crucial role in maintaining mobility, comfort, and overall well-being. When musculoskeletal problems arise, seeking professional medical help is essential. This is where an orthopedic surgeon comes in. Whether it’s a sports injury, joint pain, or the need for a total knee replacement surgery, these specialists are trained to diagnose, treat, and perform surgical procedures to restore function and alleviate pain. This guide will explore what an orthopedic surgeon does, their specialties, and the common procedures they perform, including the total knee replacement surgery procedure.

Who is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

An orthopedic surgeon is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and surgically addressing conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They undergo extensive training, including medical school, residency, and often additional fellowships to master specific orthopedic subfields. Their expertise allows them to provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to a patient’s needs.

Training and Education of an Orthopedic Surgeon

Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires rigorous academic and clinical training:

1. Undergraduate Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as biology or pre-medical studies.
2. Medical School: Four years of medical school to earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree.
3. Residency: A five-year orthopedic surgery residency focusing on clinical practice, research, and surgical techniques.
4. Fellowship (Optional): Additional specialized training in a particular area, such as sports medicine, spine surgery, or joint replacement.

What Conditions Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Treat?

Orthopedic surgeons treat a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affecting joints like knees and hips.
• Fractures: Broken bones requiring surgical realignment and fixation.
• Sports Injuries: Torn ligaments (e.g., ACL tears), meniscus tears, and tendon ruptures.
• Spinal Disorders: Herniated discs, scoliosis, and degenerative spine conditions.
• Congenital Disorders: Conditions present at birth, such as clubfoot or hip dysplasia.
• Chronic Pain Conditions: Conditions like bursitis or tendinitis that cause persistent pain.

Common Procedures Performed by an Orthopedic Surgeon

Total Knee Replacement Surgery

One of the most commonly performed procedures by an orthopedic surgeon is total knee replacement surgery. This procedure is often recommended for patients with severe arthritis or knee damage that impairs daily activities.

What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

Total knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure that replaces a damaged knee joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve mobility.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure

The total knee replacement surgery procedure involves several steps:

1. Preoperative Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation, including imaging tests (X-rays, MRI), blood work, and a physical exam.
2. Anesthesia: The patient is given either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia to ensure a pain-free procedure.
3. Incision and Joint Preparation: A surgical incision is made over the knee to access the joint. The damaged cartilage and bone are removed.
4. Implant Placement: The artificial knee components (metal and plastic implants) are positioned to replicate natural joint movement.
5. Closure and Recovery: The incision is closed, and the patient is moved to a recovery area.
6. Rehabilitation: Post-surgical physical therapy is crucial to regain strength and mobility.

Other Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures

In addition to total knee replacement surgery, orthopedic surgeons perform various procedures, including:

• Hip Replacement Surgery: Similar to knee replacement but focuses on replacing a damaged hip joint.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to diagnose and treat joint issues.
• Spinal Fusion: A procedure to join two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
• Fracture Repair: Surgical fixation of broken bones using plates, screws, or rods.
• Tendon and Ligament Repair: Reconstruction of torn ligaments (e.g., ACL reconstruction) or tendon repair.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

While surgery is often necessary, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend non-surgical treatments first, including:

• Physical Therapy: Strengthening and mobility exercises to improve joint function.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and injections like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.
• Bracing and Orthotics: Support devices to alleviate pain and improve movement.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Surgeon?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consult an orthopedic surgeon:

• Persistent joint pain that does not improve with rest or medication.
• Limited range of motion in a joint.
• Difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily activities.
• Previous injuries that have not healed properly.
• A noticeable deformity in a bone or joint.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Orthopedic Surgery

After undergoing procedures such as total knee replacement surgery, recovery and rehabilitation are crucial for optimal outcomes. A structured rehabilitation plan includes:

1. Early Mobilization: Encouraging movement soon after surgery to prevent stiffness.
2. Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint function.
3. Pain Management: Medications and lifestyle modifications to manage post-operative pain.
4. Follow-up Visits: Regular checkups with the orthopedic surgeon to monitor progress.

Conclusion

An orthopedic surgeon plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, improving patients’ quality of life. Whether addressing minor injuries or performing complex procedures like total knee replacement surgery, these specialists use advanced techniques to restore mobility and reduce pain. If you suffer from joint discomfort, chronic pain, or require surgical intervention, consulting an orthopedic surgeon is the first step toward a healthier, pain-free life.

Understanding the total knee replacement surgery procedure and other orthopedic treatments helps patients make informed decisions about their health. By working closely with an orthopedic specialist, individuals can regain their mobility and lead an active lifestyle.