Orthopedist

An orthopedist is a physician who practices in the field of orthopedics, which is the branch of medicine concerned with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The word “Orthopedics” comes from the Greek words “orthos”, meaning “straight”, and “paedia” meaning “child,” which describes one of the orthopedist's earliest specialties: straightening the curved spines of children with scoliosis.

Bracing, reduction of fractures and dislocations, and casting was and is the bread-and butter of the orthopedist. However, orthopedists are now often referred to as orthopedic surgeons, which is a role attributed to the advancement of surgical techniques and instrumentation that have facilitated the treatment of a wider variety of congenital, traumatic, cancerous, or degenerative processes afflicting bones and joints as well as those of muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.

An orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor who has completed five or more years of a residency training program in orthopedic surgery and has obtained state and national licensure. One to two-year fellowships offer advanced training in specialty areas, such as hand, spine, pediatric, total joint reconstruction, musculoskeletal oncology, and foot and ankle surgery.

According to the Unites States Department of Labor, approximately three to four percent of all physicians are specialized in orthopedic surgery. Over 50 percent of orthopedic surgeons practice general orthopedics, while 11 percent practice spinal surgery, 10 percent practice sports medicine, and the remaining specialize in other sub-specialties.

The field of orthopedic surgery requires dexterity as well as some degree of physical strength and stamina. However, in addition to technical ability, the orthopedist must be able to inform and guide patients in making decisions about their care that have lasting impact on their mobility, function, and ultimately their quality of life.