Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by admin
Are you wondering the difference between an orthopedic specialist and an orthopedic surgeon? Perhaps your GP has referred you to an orthopedic doctor, but you are unsure if you will get help?
You’re not the only one; many people still confuse the two professions. In most cases, people wouldn’t know if they should consult an orthopedic surgeon or a specialist. Hence, they will avoid seeing either of them and buy over-the-counter medication, which only treats symptoms. If you’re one of them, keep reading and find out how orthopedic treatment can help you.
But let’s begin by answering this crucial question:
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What are Orthopedic Doctors?
The easiest way of defining orthopedic surgeons is doctors who specialize in the musculoskeletal system. You may ask, what is that? Well, musculoskeletal involves the treatment of the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. So if you’re active in sports, there is a great chance you might get an injury and see an orthopedic specialist.
The same is true if you are a senior citizen between 65 and up. If you are around those ages, you will likely suffer from back pain, hip pain, or arthritis that happens due to dislocated joints.
The orthopedic field is vast; hence you’re likely to find orthopedic doctors specializing only in a specific part of the body. For instance, they may decide to treat back pain cases, whereas others focus on knee treatments. So it’s always advisable to know what an orthopedic surgeon specializes in before you choose to consult, advised Dr. Brian Cable. He specializes in Orthopaedic Surgery and believes medicine is a shared responsibility that requires combined effort between physician and patient. A UCLA grad, he is a member of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In his free time. Dr. Cable enjoys time with his three children and studying astronomy. His article, Remplissage: Expand Arthroscopic Repair Spectrum was published in the 2019 issue of Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine.
Here are three fascinating facts that you need to know about orthopedic surgeons:
1. Most orthopedic surgeons use advanced resources
There are cutting-edge resources behind every orthopedic surgeon helping patients. They use robust machines to diagnose resources to rehabilitate, manage pain, and treat patients. They also use those tools to schedule appointments for therapy sessions and operate. You’re likely to find such doctors working for a private orthopedic clinic.
2. All orthopedic surgeons get training
There are training programs specifically designed to enhance the skills of an orthopedic doctor. Before they can trade, all orthopedic surgeons and specialists need to pass mandatory board-certified exams and degree programs.
3. There are still few black female orthopedic surgeons
Last but not least, there are still few female and black orthopedic surgeons. According to recent stats, only 2% of orthopedic doctors are Black, while 2.2% are Hispanic. A few months ago, some exciting happened. Shaina Lipa became the first Black woman orthopedic Surgeon hired by any Harvard hospital.
Read More: How to Select a Plastic Surgeon: Everything You Need to Know
