Orthopedics, or orthopedic surgery, is a specialty that treats injuries and diseases involving the bones, joints and their surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments. The musculoskeletal system supports posture and stability, allows movement, protects vital organs and circulates blood. It is incredibly important to the functioning of the human body, and it is also susceptible to injury, disease and pain.
The earliest orthopedic surgeons developed techniques for detecting, setting, resetting and splinting bone fractures, but the modern field of orthopedic medicine really took off after 19th century British surgeon Hugh Owen Thomas invented the first successful hip joint replacement procedure. This procedure, known as a total hip replacement or THR, involves removing the worn-out surfaces of a damaged joint and replacing them with an artificial prosthesis cemented to the bone. Today, orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating a vast array of musculoskeletal problems that can occur throughout all stages of life — from sports injuries to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Many people visit orthopedic doctors when they feel persistent pain in their hands, wrists, shoulders or knees, or if they can’t perform everyday tasks like buttoning their shirt or holding a cup.하남정형외과 Orthopedic specialists can help diagnose the problem, and they can treat it with nonsurgical methods like injections or physical therapy. But, if an orthopedist feels that surgery is the best option, they will explain the benefits, risks and recovery time before beginning any procedures.
When you’re in search of a orthopedic surgeon, it is important to find one who is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. You can do this by asking your primary care doctor or searching online for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’s doctor locator tool. Alternatively, ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Most orthopedic surgeons work in general orthopedics, but some have subspecialty expertise. For example, some orthopedic surgeons focus on treating skeletal problems in children, while others specialize in spine disorders, such as scoliosis and slipped vertebrae discs.잠실정형외과
A good orthopedic surgeon will take the time to explain your diagnosis and answer all of your questions in a clinic environment that is clean, inviting and centered on patient comfort and well-being. They should be committed to the ethical and compassionate treatment of all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
If you have health insurance, make sure that your orthopedic surgeon of choice is in-network with your plan. Otherwise, you may be required to cover the cost of your surgery out-of-pocket or through a third-party insurer.
If you have Medicare or Medicaid, talk with your local medical association to learn which orthopedists in your area accept these types of insurance. Also, check with your state’s Medicaid office to determine what coverage you have and if you have any options for getting help with the cost of your care.