What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Orthopedic surgeons play a crucial role in the healthcare system by addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. Their responsibilities encompass diagnosis, surgical intervention, and postoperative care. Effective communication and patient education are essential for improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. Despite the challenges they face, including work-related symptoms and decision-making variability, orthopedic surgeons continue to advance the field through research and innovative practices.

Orthopedic surgeons are specialized medical professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Their expertise is crucial in addressing a wide range of issues, from sports injuries to degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis.

Roles and Responsibilities

Orthopedic surgeons perform various roles, including:

Diagnosis and Treatment

Orthopedic surgeons are responsible for diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions through physical examinations, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tools. They develop treatment plans that may include surgical and non-surgical options. For instance, the decision to perform total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is influenced by factors such as patient age, pain severity, and radiological evidence of osteoarthritis1.

Surgical Interventions

These specialists perform surgeries to correct deformities, repair injuries, and improve function. Common procedures include joint replacements, fracture repairs, and arthroscopic surgeries. The effectiveness of these surgeries can be influenced by various factors, including preoperative education and patient satisfaction6 7.

Postoperative Care

Postoperative care is a critical aspect of an orthopedic surgeon’s responsibilities. This includes managing pain, monitoring recovery, and preventing complications. Studies have shown that collaborative care models, such as the comanagement of patients by hospitalists and orthopedic surgeons, can reduce postoperative complications and improve outcomes10.

Importance of Communication and Patient Education

Effective communication and patient education are vital for successful outcomes in orthopedic surgery. Providing patients with comprehensive preoperative information can enhance their satisfaction and recovery experience. For example, web-based education tools have been shown to improve patient satisfaction scores after outpatient orthopedic surgeries6. Additionally, the use of anatomic models during consultations can help in better communication, although it may not necessarily improve perceived empathy8.

Challenges and Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons face several challenges, including:

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms (WRMS)

Orthopedic surgeons are prone to WRMS due to the physical demands of their job. Preventive programs focusing on ergonomic practices and physical exercises can significantly reduce pain and improve their well-being4.

Decision-Making Variability

There is often variability in the decision-making process among orthopedic surgeons. Factors such as age, pain severity, and radiological findings can influence the decision to perform surgeries like TKA1. Additionally, the influence of gait analysis on surgical decision-making has been shown to reinforce or alter treatment plans in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy5.

Influence of Opinion Leaders

The impact of opinion leaders on orthopedic surgeons’ practices can be complex. While endorsement by well-respected surgeons might be expected to positively influence survey response rates, it has been found to have the opposite effect in some cases2.