By General orthopedics is a specialty area within medicine, and an orthopedist has access to a wide range of resources. They are also capable of handling all aspects of a patient’s care, from treatment planning to care coordination. Orthopedists who have completed accredited fellowships are particularly qualified to deal with specific orthopedic conditions. These programs usually last a year and help physicians to develop specific subspecialties. These fellowships should be noted on the doctor’s online profile.
Treatment options
If you have pain, limited range of motion, or difficulty standing or walking, you may have a problem with your general orthopedics. Your physician can help you decide which treatment is best for your situation. There are also a variety of non-surgical treatments that can help you manage the pain and improve your range of motion. Many of these procedures can be performed using arthroscopic technology, which requires very small incisions and less pain. This type of treatment also allows you to recover faster. Orthopedic specialists are highly skilled and have the knowledge to treat a wide variety of conditions, and can help you find the best treatment method for your situation.
In addition to nonsurgical treatments, general orthopedic surgeons offer a range of surgical options for common orthopedic conditions. Nonsurgical options include physical therapy, splinting, bracing, medications, and injection therapy. Usually, nonsurgical treatment is the first option, but if conservative measures fail, a general orthopedic surgeon will recommend surgery. Surgical options include open and minimally invasive procedures, as well as joint injections, arthroscopy, and joint replacement surgery.
Board certification
After completing residency training, physicians can apply for Board certification in general orthopedics. The process typically takes two years, beginning with a high-stakes written examination that measures knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Once the applicant has successfully passed the written exam, the next step is an oral examination. Surgeons must also keep detailed records of their surgical cases and submit them to the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) for review.
There are three sections of the examination, each consisting of three 35-minute sessions. During each session, two examiners independently grade each case. They look at surgical indications, postoperative care, complications, and professional ethics. The examiners are all orthopedic surgeons who volunteer to serve on the examination board.
Common adult orthopedic surgeries
The results of a recent study in the UK compared the effectiveness of 10 common adult orthopedic surgeries to non-operative care, placebo treatment, or no treatment at all. The researchers also compared their findings to the national guidelines on orthopedic surgery. The procedures included knee cartilage repair, shoulder rotator cuff repair, total knee replacement, and carpal tunnel decompression.
While most orthopedic surgeries are performed through arthroscopic tools, some require traditional open surgery. Traditional surgery is more invasive and often has a longer recovery period. While arthroscopic procedures are considered less invasive, they are not without risk and can still result in complications.
Non-surgical treatments
When considering treatment options for general orthopedic pain, non-surgical methods are often the best option. These treatments are generally less invasive, have fewer risks, and are ideal for most common conditions. Surgical treatments are only recommended when non-surgical methods have failed to provide relief. However, some conditions are too complex to be treated without surgical intervention.
The primary goal of non-surgical orthopedic treatment is to minimize pain and maximize function. Non-surgical methods require no incisions or tissue removal. An orthopedic specialist will look for non-surgical treatments and develop a treatment plan to fit your unique needs. These options provide many advantages over surgery, and often result in a successful recovery.
Consultation with a non-surgical orthopedist
If you are experiencing pain in your joints, you may want to schedule a consultation with a non-surgical orthopedic specialist. These physicians treat a variety of conditions. They can provide you with a second opinion and provide you with a treatment plan. If your symptoms are not related to surgery, a general practitioner can often provide you with the same treatment as an orthopedic specialist.
A non-surgical orthopedist is a physician who specializes in treating musculoskeletal conditions, and they are typically board-certified in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation. They specialize in treating injuries and chronic conditions in the musculoskeletal system, and are available to treat patients of all ages.
