Vital things to know about Orthopedic Surgeons

Orthopedics is a branch of medical science that concentrates majorly on certain conditions and diseases impacting the musculoskeletal system.

It often includes:

• Muscles
• Bones
• Nerves
• Joints
• Ligaments and tendons

People often go to the best ortho surgeon in Kolkata whenever they need to treat a chronic condition that needs surgery as a treatment. If you want to know more about orthopedic surgeons, here are some interesting things that you must know about them:

1. Orthopedic Surgeons can Treat Various Conditions

Although orthopedic surgeons are often known for treating sports injuries like ligament sprains, joint dislocations, and muscle strains, these well-trained doctors can treat various conditions impacting all age groups — from children to the elderly.

Some common conditions that they can diagnose and treat are:

• Joint dislocations
• Trauma
• Arthritis
• Tendon and ligament tears
• Fractures/bone breaks
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Hip dysplasia

2. Sports Medicine Doctors are Licensed Orthopedic Surgeons

Do you know that board-certified Sports Medicine doctors are also licensed orthopedic surgeons? These orthopedic surgeons undergo specialized training to treat the musculoskeletal system, which includes an individual’s joints, bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

They often undergo around 13 years of proper education, including four years of undergraduate qualification, four years of medical school, and around five years of extra post-graduate training (also called orthopedic residency).

Certain orthopedic surgeons also spend one more year to specialize in diagnosing and treating sub-population like athletes for Sports Medicine or children for Pediatric Orthopedics.

Some other specialists may also study to diagnose and treat specific body areas like:

• Spine
• Joint Replacements
• Hand/Upper extremity
• Foot and Ankle

Whether specialists or general doctors, all orthopedic surgeons undergo advanced training in certain therapeutic and diagnostic techniques for helping patients understand and face injuries or health conditions, rehabilitation, and treatment plans.

3. Orthopedic Surgeons Offer More than Surgery

Every joint pain or sports injury may not need surgery. Some orthopedic surgeons may first explore various options for non-surgical treatment options like injections, medications, and physical rehabilitation for people suffering from musculoskeletal injuries.

For curing their patients, these surgeons often collaborate with or even refer their patients to other healthcare professionals like physiatrists, neurologists, primary care physicians, and physical therapists.

4. Orthopedic Surgeons Work in Several Settings

Orthopedic surgeons often work in several settings like an academic setting, private practice, and/or medical group or hospital. Some orthopedic surgeons even work with the region’s top academic and clinical settings to raise patient care standards or advance the Sports Medicine area.

5. Look for an Ortho Surgeon with Top-Notch Training

Aside from the required board-certified degrees and training, patients need to seek an orthopedist that has done an accredited fellowship in a certain sub-specialty associated with their suspected or known condition.

A fellowship period is the duration of medical training that takes a year or longer after residency. The fellowships also help physicians form their sub-specialty. You can look for a doctor’s accreditation information on their official online profile. If not available, you can simply ask for it.

Conclusion

If you or your loved one is suffering from a condition related to bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments, or joints, you need to visit the best orthopedic hospital in Kolkata to seek the advice of an experienced orthopedic surgeon. And, finding the best doctor for your condition is easier when you know these facts about a specialist.

Also, Read this: 5 Reasons to See an ENT Specialist in Kolkata