Orthopedic surgeons are involved with helping to prevent and treat problems dealing with the human musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and even nerves. Doctors in this specialized area deal with a multitude of patients, including those with knee pain, traumatic injuries, degenerative diseases and cancer. A physician may recommend you to a specialist, or a traumatic accident such as a car crash may lead you to one of these doctors. Those with issues concerning muscles, bones or related aspects may consider talking to their family physician or consulting with a specialist to learn more.

If you've had bone or joint problems, you may have been referred to an orthopedic specialist. While you know they're a doctor or surgeon, you may not know what they do梠r what their range of capabilities is.

First, orthopedics refers to the study of human musculoskeletal systems. This includes surgery and non-surgical methods of dealing with trauma, injuries, degenerative conditions, congenital disorders and more. The most common procedures are arthroscopies, which involve inserting a tiny endoscope that allows surgeons to assess the condition of a certain part of a joint. Other common procedures are carpal tunnel releases, fracture repairs, and hip replacements.

Who needs an orthopedic specialist? You may be referred if you have or will have to have an amputation, develop a bone infection, have gout, osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, tumors, cancer or osteonecrosis. There are also pediatric specialists. There are also conditions that develop during pregnancy. Let's talk about a few of these issues and what a specialist can do to treat or prevent them.

When it comes to amputations, amputees will certainly need to work with a specialist. If a person finds they need an amputation, a surgeon can plan out the operation in order to make sure a prosthetic limb can be used in the future. A surgeon who amputates a patient who has been in a traumatic accident may not have many options as far as the bone, muscle and skin go. Prosthetics are much more comfortable to use when there's adequate muscle to pad the bone. Someone who had a rushed operation as a result of an accident or trauma can choose to have an operation that will make it easier to use prosthesis.

Another issue that will need attention is an infection of the bones, which is known osteomyelitis. Individuals with chronic diseases, open wounds or infected replacement joints are particularly susceptible to bone infections. These are often treated with antibiotics, surgical drainage, and aspiration of the infected area or even removal of infected cells. If any part of the bone is removed, a surgeon may replace missing tissue with bone graft or other materials to promote new growth. If not controlled, a patient may need amputation, not have full use of their affected limb or joint, or see the infection spread to other areas.

Spinal cancer is another area that may need to be seen by an orthopedic expert. Some tumors are treated with radiation therapy, while others warrant surgery. The need for surgery will be based on several factors, including the size of the tumor and the effect it has on the bone. If a tumor is large enough, it can cause a fracture. Some cancerous tumors require surgical removal, and result in the need for bone grafting. Others need to be both removed and accompanied by chemotherapy and other surgical procedures.

These are just a few examples of an orthopedic surgeon's role in dealing with the musculoskeletal system. Talk to your physician or consult a specialist to learn more.