Picture this: A skilled surgeon methodically reconstructing a shattered knee joint, using precision instruments and advanced imaging technology to restore mobility to an injured athlete.
Think about the last time you or someone you know suffered from a broken bone or joint pain. Orthopedic surgeons are the medical specialists who handle these and countless other musculoskeletal conditions, from sports injuries to degenerative diseases.
These professionals combine surgical expertise with mechanical understanding of the human body’s support structure.
Total employment: 16,600 (2023)
Common Names for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
- General Surgeon
- Hand Surgeon
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Physician, Surgeon
What Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric Do
Their primary focus is to diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Their core responsibilities include:
- Patient Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive physical examinations and review medical histories to accurately diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and disorders that affect bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
- Surgical Treatment: Perform surgical procedures to repair, reconstruct, or replace damaged joints, bones, and soft tissues to restore function and reduce pain for patients with various orthopedic conditions.
- Treatment Planning: Develop and implement customized treatment plans combining surgical and non-surgical approaches, ensuring patients receive appropriate care aligned with their specific conditions and recovery goals.
- Post-operative Care: Monitor patient recovery progress, manage post-surgical complications, and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal healing and rehabilitation outcomes.
- Emergency Response: Provide immediate surgical and medical care for acute trauma cases involving musculoskeletal injuries, ensuring prompt treatment to prevent long-term complications.
- Patient Education: Communicate treatment options, surgical procedures, and recovery expectations to patients and their families, enabling informed decision-making about their care.
- Collaborative Care: Work with physical therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive patient care and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
- Medical Documentation: Maintain detailed patient records, surgical notes, and treatment plans in compliance with medical standards and regulatory requirements to ensure continuity of care.
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