Orthopaedics is a medical specialty that focuses on the body's musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. An orthopaedic spine surgeon is an orthopaedist who further specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal diseases and conditions.

Orthopaedic spine surgeons provide non-operative and surgical treatment to patients of all ages, although some focus on treating children (pediatric) or adults. Some orthopaedic spine surgeons exclusively treat certain spinal problems such as scoliosis, degenerative disorders, or a particular region of the spine (cervical/neck, lumbar/low back).