Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They use both surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat their patients. The orthopedic surgeon billing can be complex and expensive, so it’s important to understand what your insurance will cover before you see one.
Here are 8 common injuries and conditions that orthopedic surgeons treat:
Arthritis–
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. This is common among older adults. When you have arthritis, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery to repair or replace the damaged joint. However, there are also many non-surgical treatments available, such as medications, physical therapy, and weight loss.
Spinal problems–
Orthopedic surgeons often treat patients with spinal problems, such as herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. These spinal problems can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs. In some cases, orthopedic surgeons may recommend surgery to correct the problem. However, there are also many non-surgical treatments available, such as physical therapy and medications.
Sports injuries–
Sports injuries like ACL tears and meniscus tears are common injuries orthopedic surgeons treat. These kinds of injuries often require surgery to repair the damage. When you have a sports injury, your orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend surgery.
Fractures–
A fracture is a break in the bone. Orthopedic surgeons treat fractures by setting the bone and using screws, plates, or rods to hold the bone in place while it heals. In some cases, fractures may require surgery to repair the damage.
Dislocations–
A dislocation is when the bone pops out of the joint. Dislocation usually happens after an injury, such as a fall or car accident. When you have a dislocation, your orthopedic surgeon will put the bone back in place and may use straps or a cast to keep it in place while it heals.
Joint replacement–
Joint replacement is a surgery orthopedic surgeons do to replace a damaged joint with an artificial joint. This surgery is often done for patients with arthritis.
Rotator cuff surgery–
A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. This happens when the rotator cuff is torn. orthopedic surgeons often treat patients with rotator cuff surgery. This surgery repairs the damage to the rotator cuff and helps keep the shoulder in place.
Carpal tunnel surgery–
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and wrist. It happens when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, is compressed. orthopedic surgeons often treat patients with carpal tunnel surgery. This surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve and can help ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you have any of these injuries or conditions, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon. If you’re not sure if you need to see an orthopedic surgeon, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if you need to see one and can refer you to a specialist.
