Orthopaedic doctors, also known as orthopaedic surgeons, specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. This includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
Orthopaedic doctors are highly trained in surgical and non-surgical methods to treat a wide range of conditions, from minor injuries to complex musculoskeletal disorders. But what are the six main conditions that orthopaedic doctors can treat, and what treatment options do they offer their patients?
One of the most common conditions that orthopaedic doctors encounter is individuals who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. Sometimes, the cartilage that is meant to protect and cushion the ends of the bones wears down over time, and this can result in issues.
Pain, swelling, and stiffness can be the result, which leads to difficulty moving the affected joint. Orthopaedic doctors can provide non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and joint injections to manage the symptoms of this often debilitating condition.
In more severe cases, orthopaedic surgeons may perform joint replacement surgery to relieve the pain and improve joint function.
Fractures are commonplace, with many individuals suffering a fracture during their lifetime. These occur when a bone is broken due to trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury.
Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, orthopaedic doctors may recommend a variety of treatment options, including casting, splinting, or surgical intervention to realign and stabilise the broken bone. Orthopaedic surgeons are also skilled in performing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedures to repair complex fractures and promote healing.
Sports injuries are common and include sprains, strains, and ligament tears. These injuries often occur during physical activities or sports participation and can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Whether it is at a professional level or for leisure, the risk of injuries is high, particularly when participating in contact sports.
Orthopaedic doctors can diagnose and treat sports injuries using a combination of conservative methods, such as rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy, as well as surgical approaches for severe cases.
Additionally, orthopaedic surgeons are proficient in performing arthroscopic procedures to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments, tendons, and cartilage in the joints.
Scoliosis is a spinal deformity characterised by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Scoliosis can cause back pain, difficulty breathing, and posture problems, especially in severe cases.
Orthopaedic doctors can provide non-surgical treatments, such as bracing and physical therapy, to manage mild to moderate scoliosis. In more advanced cases, orthopaedic surgeons may recommend spinal fusion surgery to straighten and stabilise the spine and alleviate the associated symptoms.
Orthopaedic doctors are also well-equipped to manage and treat musculoskeletal trauma, such as dislocations and soft tissue injuries. Dislocations occur when the ends of the bones are forced out of their normal position within a joint, leading to pain, swelling, and loss of function.
Orthopaedic doctors can perform closed reduction procedures to realign the dislocated joint, as well as provide supportive care to help restore joint function.
Soft tissue injuries, such as tendon or muscle tears, can also be effectively treated by orthopaedic doctors using a combination of non-invasive measures and, if necessary, surgical repair techniques.
Orthopaedic doctors can address degenerative spine conditions, such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis. These conditions can cause back and neck pain, as well as symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs.
Orthopaedic doctors can offer a range of treatment options, including medications, physical therapy, and minimally invasive spinal surgery, to alleviate pain and improve spinal function in patients with chronic degenerative spinal conditions.