Musculoskeletal conditions affect the bones, joints, and other tissues that support the body and allow movement. These conditions can result from sudden injuries, like sports collisions or car accidents, while others develop gradually through repetitive motion, age-related wear, inflammatory diseases, or genetic factors. Orthopedic surgeons treat these conditions with surgical and nonsurgical methods. Because orthopedics covers a range of body parts and procedures, many surgeons focus their training on specific areas. Here’s more information on how to choose an orthopedic surgeon for your specific health needs:
Finding a Surgeon for Fractures
A fracture is a break in a bone, and treatment depends on the bone’s location, the severity of the break, and the patient’s overall health. Some fractures are managed with casting or bracing, while others may require surgical stabilization. When researching surgeons, review their board certification, fellowship training, and how many fracture repairs they perform each year. Ask whether the orthopedic surgeon has hospital privileges at a facility equipped for emergency and trauma care. It is also helpful to ask how the surgeon approaches follow-up visits, imaging, and physical therapy during recovery.
Finding a Knee Surgery Specialist
The knee is a complex joint, so different conditions call for different procedures. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon inserts a small camera and instruments through small incisions. Surgeons may recommend arthroscopy to examine the joint, repair a torn meniscus, remove loose cartilage, or address other limited damage. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair or reconstruction may be discussed when this ligament tears, which often happens during sports that involve pivoting or sudden stops. ACL reconstruction typically replaces the torn ligament with a graft taken from the patient or a donor.
Knee replacement may be recommended when arthritis or other damage has significantly worn down the joint surfaces. In a partial or total knee replacement, the surgeon replaces damaged bone and cartilage with metal and plastic components. If you need knee surgery, look for a surgeon trained in sports medicine for arthroscopic and ACL procedures. For knee replacement, look for a surgeon who specializes in joint reconstruction and performs the procedure regularly. Ask about the techniques they use, typical recovery timelines, and rehabilitation protocols.
Finding an Orthobiologic Treatment Specialist
Orthobiologics are treatments that use substances found naturally in the body, such as blood components, cells, or tissue. Surgeons may use these treatments alone or alongside surgery for soft-tissue and bone conditions. Research on many orthobiologic treatments is still developing, and their use can vary widely between practices. Some common examples include:
- Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate
- Bone Grafts
Choose a surgeon with specific training and experience in the orthobiologic treatments you are most interested in. Ask how they determine whether you are a suitable candidate. Ask how the treatment is prepared, how many sessions may be needed, and what recovery will involve. Because many orthobiologic treatments are not covered by insurance, confirm coverage before scheduling.
Contact an Orthopedic Surgeon Today
A consultation lets you discuss treatment options, expected outcomes, and recovery plans in detail, so contact an orthopedic surgeon today to learn which treatments may suit your needs. Choosing an orthopedic surgeon starts with understanding your condition and the type of care it may require. Before your appointment, gather your medical records, imaging results, and a list of questions about the surgeon’s experience.
