As you know, orthopaedic doctors specialize in conditions, diseases, and injuries pertaining to the musculoskeletal system. But what does that really mean?
These specialists play an important role in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. But there’s more to an orthopaedic doctor than meets the bone, muscle, or joint. In fact, there are many medical issues you probably wouldn’t associate with orthopaedic services.
All in a Day’s Work
Orthopaedic doctors treat patients of all ages on a daily basis – infants, children, athletes, working men and women, and seniors. Working both in hospitals and special practices, they treat anything from infections and sport injuries to arthritis, osteoporosis, and bone tumors – to name just the common conditions.
Orthopaedic surgeons apply their skills towards treating conditions ranging from bone and joint disorders and diseases, to fractures, or muscle, ligament, and tendon tears throughout the body.
Orthopaedic doctors, however, can treat many musculoskeletal conditions without surgery. Instead they may use medications, exercise, and other rehabilitative or alternative therapies. Only if a patient doesn’t respond to these treatments will an orthopedic surgeon possibly recommend surgery.
Some of the conditions and diseases an orthopaedic doctor addresses include:
- Back pain, ruptured disks, sciatica, and scoliosis
- Abnormalities of the fingers and toes
- Club foot, bunions, bow legs, knock knees, and unequal leg length
- Fractures and dislocations
- Growth abnormalities
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sports or work-related injuries
- Tendon injuries, pulled muscles, bursitis, and torn cartilage
- Torn ligaments, sprains, and strains
- Bone tumors, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy
When other treatments fail to result in the desired outcome, many orthopedic doctors are trained to perform numerous types of corrective surgery. These may include:
- Arthroscopy – This is a minimally invasive procedure using special cameras and equipment to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint.
- Fusion – In this "welding" process, bones are fused together with bone grafts and internal devices – such as metal rods – to heal into a single solid bone.
- Internal Fixation – This is a method in which the broken pieces of a bone are held in proper position with metal plates, pins, or screws while the bone is healing.
- Joint replacement (partial, total and revision) – In this procedure, an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. In a partial joint replacement, only the damaged areas of the joint are replaced with prosthetic material.
- Osteotomy – This is a method by which the orthopedic surgeon corrects a bone deformity by cutting and repositioning the bone.
- Soft Tissue Repair – Using an acellular collagen membrane to augment repair and reinforcement, an orthopedic doctor can mend soft tissue, such as torn tendons or ligaments. The membrane serves as a scaffold for cellular ingrowth that is gradually remodeled by the body’s own tissues.
The Specialists for Your Special Needs
Orthopaedic doctors do more than just attend to your aches and pain. Their breadth of medical experience and expertise can help treat physical problems that affect every aspect of your life.
Regardless of your age, if you’re having muscle, bone or joint pain, the orthopedic physicians at OrthoUnited in North Canton, Ohio can help diagnose your injury and provide answers to any questions you may have about appropriate treatment. OrthoUnited offers experienced providers and the latest in diagnostic techniques to ensure prompt care. Call (844) 469-2663 for an appointment today.