What Are the Duties of Orthopedic Surgeons?

Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in the bones, nerves and muscles that help us each move around and function in day-to-day life. Patients are typically referred to an orthopedic surgeon by another general practitioner who thinks the patient needs to be looked at by an expert in the area. Orthopedic surgeons have a wide variety of responsibilities.

Treatment Plans

• Orthopedic surgeons are responsible for examining a patient (or a patient's records from another doctor) and determining what an appropriate treatment plan is for the patient.

Ordering Tests

• An orthopedic surgeon will often order tests such as X-rays and MRIs in order to determine to evaluate a patient's condition. Surgeons will then review the results of those tests to determine a treatment plan.

Organizing Staff

• Orthopedic surgeons are the person in charge of a surgery if it is needed. Surgeons are responsible for reserving a room for surgery and making sure the needed staff are present.

Planning Care

• Orthopedic surgeons are responsible for planning a patient's care, including setting up any follow-up help a patient might need, such as help with physical therapy.

Maintaining Records

• An orthopedic surgeon is responsible for maintaining a patient's records and charts and forwarding those charts to any other doctors the patient sees who might need them.