The Difference Between an Orthopedic Doctor and an Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedists, often mistakenly referred to as orthopedic doctors, specialize in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic surgeons also diagnose, treat and prevent musculoskeletal problems, but they can perform surgery when necessary as well.

What does an orthopedist do? 

An orthopedist meets with patients and diagnoses any issues related to the musculoskeletal system of the body. Whether a patient is struggling with chronic pain from arthritis or a sports injury, an orthopedist can help diagnose and treat the problem. An orthopedist can provide braces, splints, casts and can reset bones when necessary. They can provide pre-surgery consultation and help with follow-up and recovery after a surgery, recommending patients seek occupational or physical therapy, but an orthopedist does not perform surgery. 

What does an orthopedic surgeon do? 

An orthopedic surgeon can provide all of the same care as an orthopedist, but they perform surgery as well. While orthopedic surgeons will first explore nonsurgical options, they can treat and resolve any musculoskeletal issues which require surgical intervention in the hips, knees, feet, ankles, shoulders, elbows, hands or the spine. The surgical interventions they perform can help patients suffering from back pain, ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, bone tumors, carpal tunnel, arthritis, injuries, and more. 

Surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeons

Orthopedic surgeons can perform arthroscopy, bone fusion, internal fixation, joint replacement, osteotomy and soft tissue repair. 

• Arthroscopy: a procedure where small incisions are made so that a tiny camera may be used to view the inside of the joint during surgery. 
• Fusion: a procedure where rods or internal devices are used to fuse bones together.
• Internal fixation: plates, screws or pins are used to hold broken pieces of bone together.
• Joint replacement: an artificial joint, either partial or total, replaces a damaged joint.
• Osteotomy: bones are cut or repositioned in order to correct a bone deformity
• Soft tissue repair: reparation of tendons or ligaments.

Where do orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons work? 

Both orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons work in hospitals or in a private practice, and both have studied the musculoskeletal system extensively, but their daily work differs as orthopedic surgeons provide more intensive treatment when necessary. 

Should I see an orthopedist or an orthopedic surgeon?

If you have been injured or are experiencing chronic or intense pain which you feel needs to be resolved immediately, beginning treatment with an orthopedic surgeon may be the best route of care. If surgery is required, you will be able to receive the care you need more swiftly if you start by visiting an orthopedic surgeon who can diagnose, treat and ultimately conduct the surgery themselves.

If you experience chronic pain from arthritis or another condition and you are hoping to avoid surgery, you might consider first seeing an orthopedist who can help diagnose, treat and manage pain. An orthopedist can help determine the causes of chronic pain and preventative measures to minimize pain, such as prescribing pain management shots or referring you to physical therapy after diagnostic imaging. If surgery is deemed to be necessary after all, an orthopedist can refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to carry out the procedure.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119