What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?

Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who care for and operate on the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles of the body. Often, they help patients find ways to manage orthopedic conditions or injuries without surgery, but offer surgery when there are no other options.

Orthopedic practices and appointments

Most orthopedic surgeons work in hospitals or in private practices. Some very specialized orthopedic surgeons may have their own practice, where they only do one or two very specific surgeries. Most days involve meeting with patients who have been diagnosed with an orthopedic condition or have a suspected injury. The surgeon then uses physical exams and imaging to diagnose the actual condition and offer their recommendations. 

In some cases, surgery may be necessary immediately, i.e. in the case of severe spinal injury or a compound fracture. These orthopedic surgeons often work in the emergency room or on call at their hospital. However, in most cases, orthopedic surgeries are planned and surgeons know what procedures they’ll be performing each day. 

Consulting and advising patients

Patients who have injuries to their muscle, bone and soft tissues often go the ER for immediate treatment. In most cases, the injury is not severe enough to need immediate surgery, but orthopedic surgeons will often recommend physical therapy, pain management, and home care. Patients who are referred to an orthopedic surgeon have usually been treated by another provider, but their condition needs professional advice. In these cases, an orthopedic surgeon will offer their best advice for treating a condition, including a plan for surgery. 

Specialized surgeries

The scope of work for each orthopedic professional can vary widely. That’s because the field of orthopedics ranges from ligaments and tendons to bones, and sometimes even to the nervous system. That’s why orthopedic surgeons often specialize in a specific procedure or body system, and that’s why they are referred to for a patient’s specific case.

For example, an orthopedic surgeon may specialize in ACL repair and therefore see mostly knee injury patients. This makes sense, and is the most ideal situation for patients, because you want to ensure the best outcomes. 

What doesn’t an orthopedic surgeon do? 

Orthopedics is a wide field, but orthopedic surgeons do one thing – surgery. If a patient’s injury or condition does not require surgery, a surgeon will refer them to physical medicine experts for physical therapy and treatment. Orthopedic surgeons do not usually get involved with physical therapy, other surgeries not involving the bones or soft tissues, or in recovery. They consult with patients who need surgery and then perform that surgery. 

Everything else a patient needs will be taken care of by support teams in physical therapy, pain management, etc. 

The right orthopedic surgeon for you

Because an orthopedic surgeon is often a “last resort” after an injury or when a condition worsens, it’s important to meet with multiple surgeons to see how each one addresses your condition. While the role they play in your care and their scope of work is often the same, you want to find someone who specializes in your procedure and also is a good fit for you personally. Each orthopedic professional is different, but you want someone who will take great care of you. 

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