Orthopedic Surgeon

An orthopedic surgeon uses surgical, medical or physical means to investigate, preserve and restore functions to a patient's extremities or spine. They deal with both primary and secondary musculoskeletal issues of a patient's central nervous system, such as tumors, injuries, degenerative disease, trauma, congenital deformities and infections. They specialize in the muscles, ligaments, bones, tendons, joints and nerves, which let our bodies move. Some surgeons work fixing broken bones while others choose to specialize in such areas as foot and ankle orthopaedics, orthopaedic sports medicine, pediatric orthopaedics, adult reconstructive orthopaedics, musculoskeletal oncology, orthopaedic spine surgery, hand surgery and orthopaedic trauma.

An orthopedic surgeon restores functions through surgery, due to disease and injury, to the ligaments, tendons, joints, bones, nerves and muscles but also use physical, medical and rehabilitative methods when necessary. They often use laser surgery to trim, or remove torn cartilage in the knee or other injured areas. Arthroscopic surgery scopes out areas for treating muscular disorders or damaged joints and is minimally invasive surgery. A surgeon commonly uses shoulder arthroplasty on shoulder fractures that are often sports-related or found on patients suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which replace the ball and socket joint.

Other physicians often refer their patients to an orthopedic surgeon. They work closely with numerous other healthcare providers such as rheumatologists and family doctors. Many orthopedic surgeons work in community or private hospitals, university hospitals, private practice and sports clinics. Some choose to teach at universities and colleges or enter into research.

Common work activities include:

• Accepting patient referrals from other physicians, reviewing records and planning treatment options.
• Meeting with patients to proceed with specialized testing or further examination of the physical condition that lead to the referral.
• Examining patients including physical examinations, ordering x-rays, MRI's or other testing sources.
• Booking surgery rooms and notifying support staff of surgery times. Ensuring that all supporting personnel are notified and prepared for the surgery or procedure.
• Planning specialized after surgery care, coordinating follow up medical support and meeting with patients after surgery to answer questions and monitor recovery.
• Managing record keeping, patient charts and all required surgical and hospital records as needed.

Programs related to Orthopedic Surgeon careers

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