Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves. Orthopedic surgeons often focus on specific areas within this broad field, such as:
- Sports Medicine: Treating injuries related to sports and physical activity, including ligament tears, muscle strains, and fractures.
- Joint Replacement Surgery: Performing procedures like total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and shoulder replacement to alleviate pain and improve mobility in patients with severe joint damage.
- Spine Surgery: Addressing conditions affecting the spine, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and degenerative disc disease.
- Hand Surgery: Treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, fractures, and arthritis.
- Foot and Ankle Surgery: Addressing issues such as bunions, fractures, Achilles tendon injuries, and deformities like flat feet or high arches.
- Pediatric Orthopedics: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in children, such as congenital deformities, growth plate injuries, and developmental disorders.
- Orthopedic Oncology: Managing bone and soft tissue tumors, including diagnosis, surgical removal, and reconstruction.
- Trauma Surgery: Treating acute injuries resulting from accidents or trauma, such as fractures, dislocations, and complex musculoskeletal injuries.
Orthopedic surgeons may further sub-specialize within these areas to focus on specific conditions or patient populations, ensuring they provide expert care tailored to individual needs.
