What is orthotics and what do they do?

One specialization in orthopedics. This branch of medicine treats the musculoskeletal, and muscular systems. This includes muscles, bones, and joints as well as ligaments, tendons, and ligaments.

An orthopedist can be described as a specialist in orthotics. An orthopedist is able to use both surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as sports injuries, back pain, joint pain, and other problems.

This article provides an overview of orthotics. This article will explain the different conditions that orthopedists treat and what patients can expect during an orthopedic appointment.

This article discusses what you need to be an orthopedist.

What is orthotics?

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the care and maintenance of bones and interconnected parts. These parts include:

• bones
• Muscles
• Joints
• Tendons
• Ligaments

Many times, orthopedists work in larger teams for orthopedic treatment. This could include:

• Assisting physicians
• Nurse practitioners
• Physical and occupational therapists
• Athletic trainers

What conditions can orthopedists treat?

Many musculoskeletal conditions can be treated by an orthopedist. These conditions may be present from birth or can develop as a result of injury or wear.

These are the top conditions that an orthoptist can treat.

• Arthritis can lead to joint pain
• Fractures of bones
• Injuries to soft tissue (muscles and tendon, ligament)
• Pain in the back
• Neck pain
• Common symptoms include shoulder pain and bursitis.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sports injuries and overuse: tendinitis, meniscus tears, anterior Cruciate Ligament tears (ACL), tendinitis.
• Congenital conditions include clubfoot and scoliosis.

What to Expect at an Appointment

At the first visit, the orthopedist will diagnose the patient. This typically involves a physical exam with X-rays.

Sometimes, the orthopedist might use injections in-office to diagnose or treat the condition.

Sometimes further testing is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnosis

An orthopedist diagnoses the condition of a patient.

• Ask about the symptoms.
• Review their medical records to learn more about the person and their overall health.
• Do a physical exam
• Take a look at any X-rays that were taken before the appointment

The orthopedist may order additional diagnostic tests. These tests may include:

• An MRI scan
• A CT scan
• A bone scan
• An ultrasound
• Studies on nerve conduction
• Blood tests

In-office procedures

An orthopedist can diagnose and treat certain musculoskeletal conditions in the office.

X-rays are the "most common and easily accessible diagnostic imaging method." X-rays can be taken in the office by orthopedists to diagnose certain conditions.

An orthopedist can treat some injuries, such as dislocations or fractures.

There are many treatment options.

An orthopedist will talk with you about all options if they are unable to provide treatment in-office for your condition.

These treatments may be recommended by an orthopedist for chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain or arthritis.

• Anti-inflammatory medications available over-the-counter
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Exercise programs for home
• Injections
• Acupuncture
• Mobility
• Surgery is an option but should only be considered as a last resort.

Different types of orthopedic practices

An orthopedist may specialize in one area of orthopedic medicine. These are subspecialties.

There are many subspecialties within orthopedics.

• Hand and upper extremity
• Foot and ankle
• Musculoskeletal Oncology (tumor).
• Orthopedics for children
• Sport medicine
• Spine surgery
• Trauma surgery
• Joint replacement surgery

What types of operations can orthopedists perform and why?

These sections will cover some of the procedures that an orthopedist may perform as part of their job.

Total joint replacement

Total joint replacement (TJR), also known as arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged joint with a prosthesis. This procedure usually involves a mixture of metal and polymer.

TJR surgery is one of the most popular elective surgeries in America.

Arthroscopic surgery

An arthroscope can be used to diagnose problems with joints. Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is possible.

An arthroscope is a thin camera that an orthopedic surgeon inserts into the joint of a patient (most often the knee or shoulder). The camera can be connected to a monitor so they can view inside the joint.

Many problems can be fixed by small incisions.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is the most popular type of orthopedic surgery.

Fracture surgery

An orthopedic surgeon might need to perform surgery to repair a fractured bone. You can use many different types of implants to stabilize your bone. They can be wired, plate or screwed.

Bone grafting surgery

In bone grafting surgery, an orthopedic surgeon uses bone from another body part to strengthen or repair broken bones.

They may also be able to obtain the bone from another individual.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal Fusion involves the joining of adjacent vertebrae in the spinal column. This allows the vertebrae to fuse together, forming one solid bone mass.

An orthopedic spine surgeon may perform a spinal fusion to address many issues in the back and neck, including injuries to the intervertebral disks or vertebrae.

Education

One must meet the following requirements to become an orthopedic surgeon:

Graduating from an accredited medical school with a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy degree

Five years of training in an ortho residency program approved by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Obtained a medical license with optional board certification

You must continue your medical education to keep up-to-date and maintain your certification.

Many orthopedic surgeons choose to continue their fellowship training once they have completed the 5-year residency.

Summary

Orthopedics is a medical specialty that treats injuries to the musculoskeletal system. These conditions can be present at birth, while others may develop from age-related wear and injury.

Orthopedists often work as part of an orthopedic team that may include physician assistants and physical therapists. They all work together to treat, diagnose and rehabilitate patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions or injuries.

All orthopedists must complete extensive training in order to obtain their medical license. They must continue to be trained and educated in order to keep their license.