Types of Orthopedic Specialists

Orthopedics is a field in medicine that deals with the body's musculoskeletal system. This includes the bones in the body as well as the surrounding soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A medical professional that specializes in this type of medicine is known as an orthopedist or an orthopedic specialist.

While some orthopedic professionals may treat a variety of different orthopedic problems, many of these medical professionals will specialize in a certain area of orthopedics. An orthopedic specialist may deal only with certain parts of the body, injuries, or treatment options, for example, while others may only deal with certain type of patients.

Body Parts

One of the most common areas that an orthopedic specialist can concentrate on is particular body parts. Spinal orthopedic specialists, for example, typically only treat injuries involving the vertebrae and spinal column. There are also orthopedic specialists that concentrate on treating injuries in the knees, legs, and hands. Others may only treat problems located in the limbs in general.

Specific Injuries

Orthopedic specialists can also choose to specialize in specific injuries. Strains, sprains, and fractures are a few of the most common types of orthopedic injuries. Some orthopedic specialists might also choose to specialize only in mild injuries or severe injuries.

Treatment Options

The majority of orthopedic specialists will often use a variety of different treatment options, including braces, medication, physical therapy, and surgery. An orthopedic specialist, however, can also choose to specialize in a certain type of orthopedic treatment.

Orthopedic surgeons are an excellent example of this. Although they will usually use other treatment options as well, these types of orthopedic specialists are generally more experienced in performing surgery. These types of orthopedic professionals will usually only perform surgery for severe injuries or as a last resort.

Patients

While other orthopedic specialists will treat nearly any type of patient, some choose to specialize in certain types of patients. Pediatric orthopedic specialists, for instance, generally only treat children under the age of 18. These types of orthopedic specialist will usually need to have an education in pediatrics as well as orthopedics.

Orthopedic sports specialists, on the other hand, typically only treat injuries suffered by athletes. These specialists usually need to have a degree in sports medicine, orthopedics, or a combination of the two.

Another common type of orthopedic specialist is an orthopedist that treats only trauma patients. These professionals often work in emergency care centers. They will typically treat injuries like broken bones and sprains affecting any part of the body. They will also treat just about any type of patient as well.