A person who specializes in orthopedics is known as an orthopedist. Orthopedists use surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as sports injuries, joint pain, and back problems.This article provides an overview of orthopedics. It outlines the different conditions that orthopedists treat and explains what a person can expect during an orthopedic appointment.
- reviewing the person’s medical record to gather more information about their medical history and overall health
- has certification with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS) or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (AOBOS)
- adheres to medical education requirements, standards in patient safety, and a strict code of ethics
There are generally two types of orthopedists: surgical and nonsurgical. The former are called orthopedic surgeons, while nonsurgical orthopedists include physiatrists and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists.Orthopedics, also known as orthopedic surgery, is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the skeletal system and its interconnecting parts.
Orthopedists treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions may be present from birth, or they may result from an injury or age-related wear and tear.
A vital decision that a person has to make before an orthopedic surgery is choosing a licensed and accredited surgeon from a competent professional association.During the first appointment, the orthopedist will work to diagnose the person’s condition. This can include conducting a physical examination and taking X-rays.