What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Your guide to orthopedic specialists, joint replacements, and musculoskeletal care
An orthopedic surgeon is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. After medical school, orthopedic surgeons complete a five-year residency. Many then pursue a one-year fellowship in a subspecialty like sports medicine, joint replacement, hand and upper extremity surgery, foot and ankle, spine, trauma, or pediatric orthopedics.
Orthopedic surgeons treat patients of all ages, from infants with clubfoot to older adults with degenerative arthritis. The scope of the specialty is broad: fractures, torn ligaments, rotator cuff injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, hip and knee arthritis, scoliosis, bone tumors, and tendon ruptures all fall under orthopedic care. Some patients are referred after an acute injury, while others seek help for chronic pain or mobility problems that have worsened over time.
What does an orthopedic surgeon do?
Despite the word "surgeon" in the title, not every visit leads to an operation. Orthopedic surgeons often start with conservative treatments like physical therapy, bracing, injections, or anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery becomes an option when those approaches aren't enough to restore function or relieve pain.
When surgery is needed, the procedures vary widely. Joint replacement (hip, knee, and shoulder) is among the most common — over one million knee and hip replacements are performed in the U.S. each year. Orthopedic surgeons also perform ACL reconstructions, arthroscopic meniscus repairs, spinal fusions, fracture fixation with plates and screws, and tendon repairs. Many of these procedures are now done arthroscopically or with robotic-assisted technology, allowing for smaller incisions and more precise alignment.
If you're dealing with joint pain that limits your daily activities, a fracture that needs surgical evaluation, or a sports injury that isn't healing on its own, an orthopedic surgeon can assess your options. Search for an orthopedic surgeon near you through our directory to find a board-certified specialist.