Orthopedic surgeons possess specialized training and education to treat patients of all ages with conditions related to their musculoskeletal system. These physicians are capable of diagnosing and treating problems and injuries involving bones, muscles, nerves and joints. Patients with sports injuries will often be referred by their primary care doctor to orthopedic surgeons to assess the extent of an injury and then recommend effective treatment that may or may not include surgery. Those who specialize in orthopedics utilize surgery for more severe or chronic conditions that are not being resolved through other therapeutic methods. Initially the surgeon will recommend a course of treatment that includes medications and physical rehabilitation exercises prior to considering surgery.

Patients referred to an orthopedic surgeon in Montana can be confident that they will be treated by a professional skilled in making a proper diagnosis for their discomfort due to sports injuries, back problems or arthritis and possess the capabilities to determine the best treatment option available. Following four years of medical school, orthopedic surgeons continue on to a five-year residency specializing in orthopedics prior to entering the field and commencing the process of becoming board-certified. Board certification is awarded by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and involves a rigorous application and certification process in order to ensure that doctors granted certification are prepared to consistently provide effective and comprehensive healthcare services to their clients. Although not required to practice medicine, prospective patients are strongly encouraged to seek physicians who are currently board-certified or in the process of becoming certified. The procedure is intense and includes a written examination, oral examination and peer reviews.

For many individuals, rehabilitative exercises and medications provide effective treatment for fractures, osteoarthritis, bone abnormalities, and pulled muscles and tendons. However, when surgery is necessary orthopedic specialists are skilled at handling a range of surgeries including joint replacement, arthroscopy, and internal fixation. While some doctors prefer to treat general orthopedic conditions others complete an additional year of training following their residency and specialize in working with a specific area of the body or a certain population. Some of the specialties that one can focus on are pediatrics, sports medicine or surgery of the hand or foot. Pediatric orthopedics is distinct from adult orthopedic medicine given that children are still growing and this may affect the way a fracture or limb deformity is treated. Establishing a relationship with a physician who understands your medical history and health problems is crucial to successfully treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system.