Orthopedic Surgeon Procedures

Orthopedic surgeons are qualified to perform surgical and non-surgical procedures to correct musculoskeletal problems and to treat certain types of injuries and diseases. According to the American Academy of Orthopeadic Surgeons (AAOS), 50 percent of the orthopedic surgeon's practice involves some type of surgery, while the other 50 percent consists of non-surgical treatment for the rehabilitation and restoration of bones, muscles and skin.

History

• The first orthopedic surgeries were performed in the late18th century in Orbe, Canton Waadt under the direction of Jean-Andre Venel. Jean-Andre Venel was a physician from Geneva and published methods for treating skeletal deformities in young children. According to "WorldOrtho: History of Orthopedics," Jean-Andre Venel is considered to be the "father of orthopaedics" and the first "true" orthopedist in history. Over the past three centuries, the field of orthopedics has advanced considerably, and surgeons can now perform a number of procedures using laser technology and innovative techniques.

Function

• The field of orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on treating disorders or deformities in the joints, muscles, ligaments, nervous system, tendons and even some skin problems. Procedures performed by an orthopedic surgeon may help treat an infection, get rid of tumors, treat congenital conditions and restore the body after severe sports injuries.
  Orthopedic surgeons are often responsible for treating the following: hip or shoulder dislocations; fractures; pulled muscles; torn ligaments; osteoporosis; bone tumors; abnormalities of the fingers and toes; bunions or hammer toes; ruptured spinal disks; sciatica; and scoliosis.

Types

• Types of procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons include: arthroscopy, knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery or hip resurfacing procedures, laminectomy-discectomy (a surgery of the spine), BAK Cage fusion, artificial spinal disc replacement, adjust-a-lift for correcting discrepancies in the length of the legs, shoulder replacement, bone and tissue transplantation, internal fixation for fractures, kyphoplasty, patellofemoral joint replacement surgery and cervical artificial disc replacement surgery.

Training

• Orthopedic surgeons acquire the skills and techniques needed to perform surgical procedures with hands-on training at medical school. Prospective surgeons must complete four years of college, four years of medical school and five years of graduate medical education at an accredited institution. Residency programs include four years of training in the field of orthopedic surgery plus an additional year of training in general surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine or other approved specialty. Some programs require general surgery experience plus an additional three years of clinical orthopedic studies.

Progress

• Modern orthopedic surgical procedures have become less invasive, implants have become more durable and healing times have improved. According to Duke University School of Medicine's Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, orthopedic surgeons can perform procedures and administer treatment in conjunction with a team of occupational therapists, reconstructive plastic surgeons, radiologists and physical therapists to ensure the patient receives the best treatment possible. Cutting-edge innovations in the field include computer-assisted surgery where the surgeon can perform procedures using an image-guided navigation system, and laser-assisted techniques for the treatment of spinal conditions, including degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and bone spurs.