Tips & Advice
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a disorder where the spine curves sideways. Most people develop the condition during the growth spurt before puberty. The cause of scoliosis is unknown and most cases are mild, but the rare severe instances can disable a person.
What type of specialized training does an orthopedic surgeon receive?
Orthopedic surgeons attend four years of medical school, then four to five years of orthopedic residency in a hospital. They must also be licensed and certified in orthopedic surgery by the state in which they practice.
Is an orthopedic doctor the same as an orthopedic surgeon?
The terms "orthopedic doctor" and "orthopedic surgeon" refer to the same profession. Related specialties include podiatrist, a doctor who works with the bones, tendons and ligaments in the feet, and a sports medicine physician, a doctor specially trained to treat athletes.
How much does it cost to see an orthopedic surgeon?
The cost of a visit to an orthopedic surgeon depends on the type of tests ordered and treatment given. For example, an MRI costs $500-$1,300. An initial consultation costs $100- $500, while anesthesia for a procedure generally ranges from $2,000-$4,000.
Overall, an orthopedic surgery can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000.
What does an orthopedic appointment consist of?
During a consultation or first appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, the practitioner will ask the patient a variety of questions to understand the situation. The surgeon might ask about the patient's pain levels, medical history, and any prior injuries. Then, the surgeon will administer a physical exam and possibly schedule tests to better understand the problem. Possible tests include a stress test, x-ray, or MRI.
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery uses a small video camera, called an arthroscope, to observe, diagnose, or treat issues inside a joint. During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision and inserts the camera into the affected area. The camera projects images onto a television screen, making it easy for the surgeon to see hard-to-access areas around and within the joint.
What is joint replacement surgery?
Joint replacement surgery is a procedure that removes parts or all of a damaged or arthritic joint and puts a prosthesis in its place. The prosthetic joint can be made of plastic, metal, or ceramic.
Rotator cuffs are the groups of muscles and tendons attaching the humerus bone to the shoulder blade. The rotator cuffs allow people to lift and rotate their arms.
People who frequently perform overhead motions -- for instance, tennis players, carpenters, and painters -- are more likely to injure a rotator cuff. Symptoms include a dull ache that worsens with pressure, such as when a person sleeps on that side. Orthopedic surgeons commonly use physical therapy to treat these injuries.
What are the most common conditions that an orthopedic surgeon can treat?
Some of the most common conditions orthopedic surgeons treat include:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures and dislocations
- Damage to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Club foot
- Bow legs
- Bone tumors
- Scoliosis
- Sciatica
- Cerebral palsy
What is an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat diseases and injuries involving the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons. Although they are called surgeons, they sometimes use nonsurgical means for their treatments.
