Orthopedic physicians help people with bone and joint injuries. They often work with teams that may include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical or occupational therapists, and athletic trainers.
Your primary care doctor may be able to recommend an orthopedic surgeon. You can also use online tools from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and other organizations to find one.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Bone, muscle, and joint pain can stop people of all ages in their tracks, keeping them from working or enjoying life. But, with the help of an orthopedist, most can get back to their normal lives.
A typical first visit with an orthopedic doctor starts with a thorough medical history and an examination of the affected area. Then, the doctor designs a treatment plan, which may include medications to relieve pain and swelling, over-the-counter or prescription exercises to strengthen a weak or injured area, and immobilization techniques like splints or casts.
If the patient requires surgery, an orthopedic surgeon is called in to perform the procedure. The surgeon may use a minimally invasive technique, such as arthroscopy, to visualize and treat the problem or perform a more invasive surgical operation, such as herniated disc repair or removal of bone spurs from a painful spine. These surgeries are typically covered by insurance or Medicare, as long as they’re considered medically necessary.
Physical Therapy
In addition to treating the bones, joints and muscles, orthopedic doctors also conduct physical therapy. This involves non-surgical treatments like injections into joints and tendons as well as exercises designed to strengthen and stretch muscles.
Orthopedic physical therapists (PT) treat injuries to the muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons that are caused by accidents, sports, work or age-related health issues. PT can help improve mobility, reduce pain and stiffness and promote healing after surgery.
Physiotherapists working in orthopedic musculoskeletal care see patients of all ages and from different backgrounds and health beliefs. They must be able to adapt their treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs.
Often, medical professionals like primary care doctors, hospital emergency rooms or urgent care centers refer patients to orthopedists for injuries and illnesses that they cannot treat themselves. However, you can also make an appointment with a specialist on your own without a doctor’s referral. Most orthopedists offer same-day appointments. Be sure to arrive early so you can fill out any paperwork before your visit.
Bone Grafting Surgery
While small breaks and fractures can heal on their own, larger damage requires the help of transplanted bones or bone tissue. Bone grafting surgery can fill gaps, stimulate healing, and help prevent complications such as infection and further bone loss.
Depending on the type of bone graft, your surgeon may use bones from different parts of your body (autograft), dead bones from a donor (allograft), or synthetic materials such as bioceramics or a material known as bone morphogenic protein. 강동역정형외과 Using a sanitized graft material reduces the risk of disease transmission and lowers the chance of rejection by your body.
After securing the graft, your surgeon will close the incision site with stitches or staples. They will prescribe you pain medication and suggest physical therapy or other medical procedures to help the graft heal. Be sure to follow their instructions to avoid any pitfalls during recovery. In addition, it is important not to smoke because it slows the bone growth process.
Diagnosis
Many people see an orthopedic doctor because of a sports injury or workplace accident, but even those who are not physically active can develop muscle tissue damage from regular wear and tear. If you are experiencing pain or stiffness, a primary care doctor may refer you to an orthopedist or you can make an appointment on your own without a referral.송파정형외과
When you meet with an orthopedic specialist, he or she will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam of the injured area. He or she may order X-rays, CT scan (also called a CAT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound to determine the root cause of your problem.
MRIs allow your physician to see muscle tissue, ligaments, and cartilage that do not show up well on X-rays or CT scans. Your doctor may also inject a dye into your spinal fluid to see if there are any issues with the spine that could be causing pain.