What Do Orthopedic Doctors Do?
- Written By: Margo Upson
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
- Last Modified Date: 07 February 2013
-
Copyright Protected:
2003-2013 Conjecture Corporation
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine focused on injuries to the musculoskeletal system, including spine and joint injuries or deformities. There are multiple branches of orthopedics, including orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, physical therapists, orthopedic pediatricians. They work in small, specialized practices, in larger, less specialized practices, or in hospitals.
Orthopedic doctors treat broken bones, joint problems, like arthritis, and degenerative conditions, like osteoporosis. They also treat sports injuries, infections, congenital conditions, and tumors in the bones. The work depends on what specialty a doctor chooses, or by where they choose to practice medicine. For example, a doctor in a small, specialized clinic may only treat sports injuries. On the other hand, orthopedic doctors in a large hospital may work with everything from sprained ankles to a patient receiving a hip transplant.
The education and training to become an orthopedic doctor lasts about 13 years, with eight years of schooling (both undergraduate and postgraduate), and five years of residency. During this time, an orthopedic doctor chooses a specialty to study. This could be a focus the bones of a particular body part, such as the hand, musculoskeletal oncology, joint replacement, or any of the other numerous branches of orthopedics.
The most common reason that people go see an orthopedic doctor for is treatment of a broken bone. Orthopedic doctors also see a lot of patients for arthritis treatment and management, and for carpal tunnel or rotator cuff injuries. The also routinely perform arthroscopies, a minimally invasive procedure that explores hip, shoulder, or knee damage. Minor joint problems can be corrected during an arthroscopy, but more serious condition may require further surgery.
The typical work week for an orthopedic doctor lasts 50-55 hours. Most of this time will be spent seeing patients, either in a clinic or in surgery. They may also be asked to consult on other cases. Some of this time will be spent doing paperwork or other administrative duties. An orthopedic doctor will also spend time reading medical journals, or doing other types of research, to keep up to date on the latest information about bone and joint care.
Orthopedic doctors who work in a teaching hospital may be responsible for teaching a few courses. There are seminars, meetings, and conferences that they may attend. In addition to the long hours, they may be called in for extra time, especially if they work in a hospital, if there is an emergency and their services are needed.
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anon315239
Post 27 |
What doctor should I see for uric acid? |
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anon293103
Post 26 |
I have had serious pain in my knees and the small of my back. I wear the knee braces that you can buy over the counter to try and keep them steady. If I don't wear them, people say that my knees move from side to side. Should I go to an orthopedic doctor? |
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emmzie131
Post 25 |
I sprained my wrist after falling over and they gave me a bandage, but they told me to see an orthopedist and I was wondering if they can put you in a cast if it doesn't heal properly. My wrist clicks and I can feel the bone moving in a weird way, and when I pick something heavy up it just hurts. Is this also normal? It's been like three or four months since I had my accident. Please help. |
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anon281147
Post 23 |
I have knock knees. Would I benefit from seeing an orthopedic doctor? |
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anon158103
Post 14 |
Long story short version. Husband fell 17' 17 months ago, landed on his feet, had a broken left heel in ~3 places. Was told did not need surgery, has been on pain meds ever since - hydromorphone (6mg x2; 1mg x4/day)+ lyrica(150mg x2/day) and a few others as well. Has had many different casts made (air and solid plastic). He is still in pain/burning and constant never going away pain. He felt much better in the air cast, but it is not work safe for him. Can a boot or shoe be made that works like an air cast? |
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anon157251
Post 13 |
I had my pelvis dislocated in 2007 when i was delivering my baby. She weighed 3.4kg, from then i was not able to walk or sleep on my sides for 10 months. i had another baby at 34 weeks in 2010 via c-section due to my pelvis acting up again. I am feeling pains in my pelvis again. is there any sort of exercise that i can do to get a speedy recovery? |
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anon153157
Post 12 |
Fell and badly damaged the ligaments on my ankle in sep 2010. I am still getting treatment from physio. I thought it would be better a long time ago. So why am I still sore and have a tight, burning sensation? |
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anon114475
Post 10 |
My three year old daughter was seen by a podiatrist today and diagnosed with flat feet (scan of the foot showed no arch) and pronation and was fitted for orthopedic insoles. I thought maybe there would be some sort of PT or exercises for the foot, but the podiatrist only mentioned the insoles. Would you recommend that she see an orthopedic doctor as well for a second opinion? |
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anon91570
Post 8 |
It's not really college until you're 31 - you finish undergrad (four years), then med school (four years), and ortho residency (usually five years, rarely four). The residency is not college. It is paid, usually just enough to get by, and very demanding, but it is actual work in a hospital. The best way to think of it is like a paid apprenticeship. |
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anon87110
Post 6 |
so, you go to college until you're 31? what about marriage and children? |
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anon78353
Post 5 |
I'm doing a podcast for my sixth grade class about becoming an Orthopedic doctor. This helps so much. |
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anon70590
Post 4 |
how much would it cost to see an orthopedic doctor? i don't have health insurance and my shoulder is in some pain. it only hurts when i try to move my arm across my body. the pain feels like it located at the back of my shoulder. |
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anon66206
Post 3 |
i am working on a report for seventh grade and this info is helping a lot! regan |
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anon64839
Post 2 |
Cary, what was the problem? Don't leave us hanging like that, please. |
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cary
Post 1 |
I once twisted my ankle badly, and it just happened that an orthopedic doctor was working in the ER when I went in. He was able to determine that the repeated minor problems I had been having with my feet in general were actually symptoms of a much more serious neurological problem! I was so lucky to have been seen by him. |
