What Is Orthopedics?

Orthopedics is the branch of medicine that focuses on diseases and conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. 

Emanuel Medical Center offers a wide range of treatments and procedures to help with your symptoms, from nonsurgical options to minimally invasive procedures that can result in less scarring, less pain and faster recovery. Our orthopedic medicine team focuses on providing you with the quality care you deserve.

What Is a Bone Doctor Called?

A bone doctor is also called an orthopedic specialist, orthopedic doctor, orthopedic surgeon or bone specialist. Bone doctors have several responsibilities, including:

• Diagnosis of an injury or condition
  
• Treatment with orthopedic medicine, injections, surgery or other options
  
• Rehabilitation through exercises or physical therapy to help restore the movement, strength and function of the affected area
  
• Prevention of injury 
  
• Slow the progression of disease

It usually takes a team to provide orthopedic care. The team may include:

• Orthopedists/orthopedic surgeons 
  
• Pediatric orthopedic surgeons – specialize in treating children with orthopedic conditions such as spina bifida, clubfoot, scoliosis, broken bones, infections of the bones and joints, as well as injuries often seen in kids
• Musculoskeletal radiologists – perform image-guided joint treatments and procedures as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound imaging
• Rheumatologists – diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases of the joints, connective tissue and soft tissue
• Orthopedic techs – experts in applying and removing casts, fitting walkers, crutches and canes
• Child life specialists – help children who undergo surgeries as well as their family by supporting them through the recovery period, which may be painful, anxious and tedious
• Orthopedic nurses – ensure patients are well-prepped and are there before and after the surgery. They prioritize pain management and helping patients who can’t move

All orthopedic specialists are familiar with all aspects of the musculoskeletal system, but there are further orthopedic medicine specializations such as:

• Foot and ankle
  
• Hand and wrist
  
• Hip replacement and reconstruction
  
• Knee replacement and reconstruction 
  
• Orthopedic oncology
  
• Orthopedic trauma
  
• Pediatric orthopedic surgery
  
• Shoulder and elbow
  
• Spine 
  
• Sports Medicine

When to See an Orthopedic Doctor

If the patient experiences the following symptoms, they may need someone who specializes in orthopedic medicine:

• Constant or occasional pain that lasts for more than three months
  
• Limited range of motion
  
• Pain that affects your daily routine
  
• Difficulty standing and moving around
  
• Acute injury that does not respond to icing and over-the-counter medications

There are instances when injuries may be considered an emergency and require an immediate response. Please go to the nearest orthopedics hospital or emergency room if you experience the following symptoms:

• Broken bone
  • Especially if the bone is visible or if multiple fractures
    
• Intense pain accompanied by the following symptoms
  • Fever
    
  • Inability to bear weight
    
  • Inability to move your limb
    
  • Severe bleeding
    
  • Loss of consciousness

Orthopedic Services

Our orthopedic doctors at Emanuel Medical Center treat the following conditions:

• Arthritis
  
• Bone fractures
  
• Soft tissue injuries
  
• Back pain
  
• Neck pain
  
• Shoulder pain and problems
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
  
• Overuse and sports injuries (e.g., tendonitis, meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament tears)
  
• Congenital conditions

Before prescribing a treatment option, our orthopedic physicians at Emanuel Medical Center will first ask for more information on what you are experiencing and may request tests which may include:

• MRI scan
  
• CT scan
  
• Bone scan
  
• Ultrasound
  
• Nerve conduction studies
  
• Blood tests

Orthopedic Treatment Options

Once diagnosed, you can rest assured that we will explore nonsurgical options first. If you need surgery, we have experienced orthopedic physicians with our advanced technology that brings a higher level of precision, getting you a faster recovery with minimal scarring. Our orthopedic team wants to ensure you maintain an excellent quality of life for years while getting you back to your daily life as quickly as possible.

Nonsurgical Treatments

• Exercises
  
• Immobilization
  
• Medications
  
• Lifestyle changes

Surgical Treatments

• Joint replacement
  
• Joint reconstruction
  
• Internal fixation
  
• Fusion
  
• Osteotomy
  
• Soft tissue repair
  
• Release surgery
  
• Bone tumor surgery
  
• Sport surgery
  
• Complex trauma surgery
  
• Joint arthroscopy
  
• Fracture repair

Imagine life without pain.

Begin a return to an active lifestyle with our orthopedic hospital, Emanuel Medical Center. We take a multidisciplinary approach to help ensure continuity of care and maximize your results. Here you’ll find a standardized care plan and a compassionate team of doctors and nurses working to help reduce or eliminate your pain.