Orthopedics is a medical field focused on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. Established in 1741 and expanded in the 1800s, orthopedics remains one of the most practiced and valued medical specialties today. This field is divided into various types based on the specific conditions being addressed.
### Getting to Know Hand Surgeons
Let’s begin with hand surgeons. These are orthopedic doctors who have undergone at least one year of specialized training in hand surgery after completing their residency. General and plastic surgeons can also specialize in this area. Hand surgeons are the experts who reattach severed limbs, ensuring that they function and look as good as new. They are skilled in microsurgery and focus on conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and finger tendon diseases.
### Sports Medicine: A Key Area in Orthopedics
Next, there are orthopedic doctors who specialize in sports medicine. These professionals undergo fellowship training in sports medicine, gaining expertise in reading MRIs, assessing injuries, and performing arthroscopic surgeries. They often work as part of a sports training team, making them more commonly found on fields rather than in hospitals. In some cases, they may be employed by private institutions. If you’re looking to contact a sports medicine specialist, the Internet can be a good resource, or you can ask other orthopedic surgeons for recommendations. These specialists are adept at procedures like anterior cruciate ligament repairs, arthroscopic cartilage repairs, and arthroscopic shoulder surgeries.
### Total Joint Replacement Specialists
When an injury or condition requires a significant change to the affected body part, such as a sports injury, you might need a total joint replacement specialist. These experts help alleviate pain in degenerated or damaged joints, like hips or knees, by replacing them with metal alloy implants. The fellowship training for this subspecialty is extensive and costly, which is why these procedures can be expensive. However, recent advancements have made total joint replacements less invasive and more affordable.
### Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating musculoskeletal problems in children and adolescents (ages 0-19). They handle conditions ranging from fractures to complex issues like spina bifida and osteogenesis imperfecta. Like other orthopedic specialists, they complete fellowship training in pediatric orthopedics and pediatric spinal deformity. Some may also train in cosmetic surgery to address childhood scars from orthopedic procedures.
### Orthopedic Oncologists
Lastly, we have orthopedic oncologists who focus on treating cancer-related musculoskeletal problems. These conditions often involve various neoplasms such as rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. These diseases require specialized medical attention due to their aggressive and invasive nature. Orthopedic oncologists undergo extensive fellowship training to manage these complex problems effectively. They often work in networks, sharing methods and treatments.
### Making the Right Choice for Orthopedic Care
It’s crucial to be informed about these different orthopedic specialties to ensure you receive the right care for your condition. Consulting the appropriate specialist will help you get the best possible treatment. This knowledge is also valuable when considering insurance coverage, as not all doctors may be affiliated with your insurance plan.