The practice of orthopedics originally began as a field whose purpose was to correct spinal deformities in children, and through time grew to encompass the study and treatment of the spine, joints, and muscles of the musculoskeletal system.
Do you need an orthopedic doctor?
If you experience chronic back pain your primary care doctor will often recommend that you visit an orthopedic specialist. Many pain management techniques can be used to treat chronic back pain and spine problems. Neurologists and Orthopedic surgeons often receive similar training, the difference is usually found in specialties. Orthopedic surgeons will diagnose and treat bone and joint disorders.
Top reasons you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon
- Sports Medicine Orthopedists often specialize in the prevention and treatment of sports related injuries. If you injure yourself out on the golf course you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon to repair your injury and insure your injury heals quickly and properly.
- Knee Surgery Knee arthroscopy is a procedure where the orthopedic surgeon creates small incisions in the knee and uses a very powerful camera to perform ACL reconstruction, repair torn meniscus, remove damaged tissue (debridement), or realign the kneecap (lateral release).
- Shoulder Surgery Shoulder arthroscopy, much like knee surgery, employs the use of a tiny camera to repair rotator cuffs, labral tears, impingement syndrome, and instabilities (the ball of your shoulder comes out of its socket).
- Joint Replacements If your knee, shoulder, or hip joint becomes damaged an orthopedic surgeon will replace it with a new one.
- Fracture Care When a bone is broken it will heal itself, but an orthopedic surgeon provides the reduction, casting, and sometimes surgical intervention needed to make sure the bones line up properly and recover full strength and movement
- Arthritis The inflammation of joints is a common condition, and though it can’t be cured, an orthopedist can help provide physical therapy and surgery that can reduce the pain and stiffness.
We have only listed a few of the reasons your doctor may recommend an orthopedic surgeon. Others may include spinal deformity, bone tumors, and more. If you live in the Naples and Fort Myers area the trusted orthopedic surgeons of NASA are here to answer any questions you may have.
