What does an Orthopedist specialist do?

An Orthopedist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating the medical conditions and disorders related to the musculoskeletal system - bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They treat conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, sports injuries, bone tumors, spinal stenosis, and tendon & ankle injuries, etc.

What are the qualifications of an Orthopedist specialist?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, the following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be an Orthopedist:

• Diploma in Orthopaedics
• Diploma in Trauma and Ortho Surgery
• MS - Orthopaedics
• M.Ch - Orthopaedics
• FRCS - Trauma & Orthopedic Surgery
• MNAMS - Orthopaedics
• Ph.D. - Orthopaedics
• FCPS - Orthopedic
• CCT - Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery
• DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery

When should an individual consult an Orthopedist?

If any individuals suffering from following medical conditions or disorders related to bones, tendons, joints, ligaments, and muscles then it is required to consult an Orthopedist.

• Fibrous dysplasia
• Dislocation of joints
• Osteopetrosis
• Osteomalacia
• Myopathy
• Muscle pains
• Arthritis
• Osteopenia
• Osteoporosis
• Joint fractures
• Severe body pains
• Multiple sclerosis
• Scleroderma
• Bone fractures

How does an individual confirm the injury is either sprain or fracture?

An Orthopedist will confirm this by conducting tests like x-rays or bone scans. This helps in deciding the extent of the injury that leads to sprain or fracture. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that heal with time. But a fracture needs other treatment options like a splint, cast, or surgery.

How frequently should an individual consult an Orthopedist?

An individual needs to consult an Orthopedist once in every six months depending on age and their medical condition.  If the individual is fit and healthy, then he/she can consult an Orthopedist once in a year to examine the health condition of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

How long is the hospital stay after orthopedic surgery?

The possible length of hospital stay for orthopedic surgery is about 5 to 14 days. It may vary depending on the type of orthopedic surgery performed and the medical condition of the patient. And the stay may increase due to post-surgery complications. Postoperative surgery care like proper dressing, usage of prescribed medications, and physiotherapy gives fast recovery.

Can Orthopedists treat soft tissue injury?

Yes, an Orthopedist can definitely treat soft tissue injury. It is a procedure to repair or fix soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, or muscles. Some of the common soft tissue injuries are sprains, tendinitis, strains, etc.

Do the diagnostic tests for an orthopedic injury painful?

Generally no, for most of the orthopedic injuries or conditions, Orthopedists use the diagnostic and imaging procedures like X-rays and bone scans which are painless. They may also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), or ultrasound, which are non-invasive and painless procedures. To diagnose certain orthopedic conditions like arthritis the doctor may perform minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy that results in mild pain.