Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that treats injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. That includes 206 bones, 650 muscles and countless ligaments and tendons.
When it comes time to choose an orthopedic specialist, look for one who has passed rigorous certifying examinations. You should also find out if they have completed an accredited fellowship.
Treatments
Almost everyone has musculoskeletal injuries or pain on occasion, but if your symptoms become chronic and interfere with daily life activities, it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist. Your primary care doctor or urgent care may refer you to one, or you can schedule an appointment on your own.
Orthopedic doctors use a variety of diagnostic tools to assess your condition and determine the underlying cause. Common diagnostic tests include X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds.
Once your diagnosis is complete, your treatment plan will be developed. In many cases, your orthopedist will begin with pain management. This can include medication and a range of physical therapies, at-home stretching or other modalities. If non-surgical treatments don’t provide relief, your orthopedist might perform surgery. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive movements at work, your orthopedic surgeon might cut the bundle of nerves in your wrist (brachial plexus palsy) to relieve pressure and reduce symptoms.
Subspecialties
Orthopedic surgeons perform both surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal injuries. They treat a wide range of conditions, including fractures, joint replacement, arthritis and sprains. Some surgeons specialize in specific areas, such as the hand or feet. Others focus on a specific treatment, such as osseointegration.
A recent survey of 288 orthopedic residents found that most female subspecialists choose the field of hand surgery and pediatric orthopaedics. These female surgeons most often cited strong mentorship as their main motivation for choosing these particular subspecialties.
The field of sports medicine has also attracted many orthopedic surgeons, especially among women. Surgeons who specialize in this area can help athletes prevent and treat injuries, and they may work with professional sports teams to improve their performance. Other orthopedic surgeons focus on the foot and ankle (podiatry), treating problems like sprains and bone disorders in the lower extremities. They can also replace joints in the ankle and foot, such as the hip or knee.
Certifications
Whether you are looking for a knee replacement or an orthopedist, it’s important to choose a board-certified physician. Board certification is a rigorous process that involves passing a written and oral exam. It’s a sign that the doctor meets nationally recognized standards for education, knowledge, skills and experience.
In addition to achieving primary board certification, many orthopedic surgeons pursue subspecialty certificates. These credentials allow them to focus their practice in specific areas of the field. They must meet additional requirements, such as submitting cases for peer review and attending workshops.
ABOS provides multiple ways to take the specialty recertification exams, including on a computer at home with a live remote proctor or at a Pearson Vue test center. Each exam is practice-profiled, meaning the questions only include those relevant to that particular specialty area. The certifying boards also offer a variety of ways to earn free category A continuing education (CE) credits. Click the links below to learn more.
Insurance
Many health insurance plans will cover orthopedic treatments if they are deemed medically necessary by your doctor. This includes diagnostic tests like X-rays and MRIs as well as conservative treatment options such as physical therapy.하남정형외과
Typically, your primary care physician will determine the need for an orthopedist appointment based on your symptoms and the severity of them. It is helpful to bring a list of these symptoms, including pain, swelling, tingling, and limitations in daily activities.
It’s important to make sure your doctor is on your healthcare provider network before scheduling an appointment and to discuss any deductibles or copays. 잠실정형외과 Your doctor may also require preauthorization for certain procedures.
If you are an orthopedic surgeon, it is essential to have disability insurance that will protect your income if you become unable to perform your duties. You should look for a policy with true own-occupation coverage and a future purchase rider to allow you to increase your benefits without medical underwriting.