Who are Orthopedists?

Orthopedists or Orthopedic doctors are the ones who are specialized in preventing, diagnosing, and treating the medical conditions related to joints, bone, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

What are the qualifications of Orthopedists?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, the following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be an Orthopedist:

• CCT - Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery
• M.Ch - Orthopaedics
• MS - Orthopaedics
• FRCS - Trauma & Orthopedic Surgery
• DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery
• Ph.D. - Orthopaedics
• Diploma in Orthopaedics
• FCPS - Orthopedic
• Diploma in Trauma and Ortho Surgery
• MNAMS - Orthopaedics
• Diploma in Orthopaedics

What conditions can be treated by an Orthopedist?

Following are few of the conditions treated by an Orthopedist:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Dysplasia
• Bursitis
• Osteoporosis
• Impingement
• Stiffening or hardening of the joints, muscles, etc
• Scoliosis
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Compartment syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bone spurs
• Frozen shoulder
• Muscle dystrophy
• Cerebral palsy
• Rickets
• Sciatic nerve dysfunction

What are the subspecialties under Orthopedist?

Orthopedist itself is a specialty of the medical field and there are many subspecialties that include:

• Orthopedic oncology
• Total joint and reconstructive surgery
• Spinal surgery
• Foot and ankle surgery
• Sports medicine
• Orthopedic trauma
• Hand surgery
• Pediatric orthopedic surgery

How often should an individual visit an Orthopedist?

Depending on the age and health condition of the individual’s joints, one must visit or consult an Orthopedist once in six months. However, if the individual is healthy, then he/she should visit an Orthopedist once in a year to check the status of the health condition of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

What are the most common procedures performed by an Orthopedist?

Following are a few procedures that can be performed by an Orthopedist:

• Arthroscopy
• Tissue repair
• Joint replacement
• Knee replacement
• Spine fusion
• Osteotomy
• Bone fracture repair
• Hip replacement
• Laminectomy
• Ligament reconstruction
• Chondroplasty

Can an Orthopedist treat foot and ankle related problems?

Yes, the Orthopedist deals with musculoskeletal problems within the body, and the problems related to foot and ankle fall under this category. Common foot problems such as bunions, ankle sprain, arthritis, and sports injury can be treated by an Orthopedist. The diagnosis of these conditions is done through imaging tests and the treatment opted depends on the severity of the condition.

What is the difference between Orthopedists and Orthopedic Surgeons?

Usually, Orthopedists are mistaken as Orthopedic surgeons. An Orthopedist provides pre-surgical consultations and post-surgical consultations. Whereas, an Orthopedic surgeon provides the same care as an Orthopedist and performs the surgery as well. Surgery is done to cure back pain, ruptured discs, bone tumors, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and other injuries.