An orthopedic surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, all of which are essential for movement and stability. Orthopedic Surgeon in Houston, Texas play a critical role in helping patients recover from injuries, degenerative diseases, and congenital disorders affecting their bones and joints.
The Scope of an Orthopedic Surgeon’s Work
Orthopedic surgeons treat a broad range of musculoskeletal issues, from broken bones to complex spinal disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from children with congenital abnormalities to adults with age-related degenerative conditions like arthritis. The field is vast, and orthopedic surgeons may choose to specialize in one or more subspecialties, such as:
- Pediatric Orthopedics – Focusing on musculoskeletal problems in children, such as scoliosis, hip dysplasia, or clubfoot.
- Sports Medicine – Dealing with injuries that athletes commonly experience, including torn ligaments, tendinitis, and joint instability.
- Joint Replacement Surgery – Specializing in procedures like hip and knee replacements for patients suffering from severe arthritis or joint degeneration.
- Spinal Surgery – Treating conditions related to the spine, such as herniated discs, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis.
- Trauma Surgery – Focused on treating fractures and injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or other traumatic events.
Training and Education
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires many years of rigorous education and training. It typically starts with completing a medical degree (MD or DO), which takes about four years. Afterward, the aspiring orthopedic surgeon enters a residency program, which lasts an additional 5 years. During residency, they gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating various musculoskeletal conditions under the supervision of experienced surgeons.
Eric F Berkman MD – Top Rated Orthopedic Surgeon in Houston, Texas. Specializing in treating various orthopedic conditions of shoulder, elbow, knee, hand, and foot and ankle. Orthopedic injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents, sports and in daily activities. He offers a comprehensive and high quality medical care for his patients. Dr Berkman offers the best possible treatment and utmost care to each individual to restore freedom of movement and relieve the pain of diseased and degenerative joints.
Following residency, some orthopedic surgeons choose to pursue fellowship training in a subspecialty, which may take one to two additional years. This extra training allows them to become experts in a specific area, such as joint reconstruction or sports injuries.
Common Conditions Treated by Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons address a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: These can result from accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Treatment may involve setting the bone, casting, or, in some cases, surgical intervention to realign the bone.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) can cause severe joint pain and stiffness. Orthopedic surgeons may recommend conservative treatments like physical therapy or more invasive procedures like joint replacement surgery.
- Sports Injuries: Athletes often suffer from ligament injuries, sprains, strains, or tendon damage. Conditions such as torn ACLs, rotator cuff injuries, and tennis elbow fall under the expertise of sports medicine orthopedic surgeons.
- Spinal Disorders: Conditions like herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis can significantly impact quality of life. In severe cases, orthopedic surgeons may recommend spinal surgery to correct deformities or alleviate nerve compression.
- Deformities and Birth Defects: Some children are born with musculoskeletal deformities such as clubfoot or hip dysplasia. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons work to correct these conditions early in life to prevent long-term disability.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments
Orthopedic surgeons offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Non-surgical treatments may include medications, physical therapy, bracing, or injections to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. However, in cases where conservative methods are ineffective, surgery may be required.
Common orthopedic procedures include:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat joint issues, often in the knee or shoulder.
- Joint Replacement: Replacing a damaged joint, such as the hip or knee, with an artificial one to relieve pain and restore function.
- Spinal Surgery: Correcting issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or fractures of the spine.
Orthopedic surgeons play a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal issues. Whether through non-invasive techniques or complex surgeries, these professionals help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and regain mobility. Their expertise extends across a variety of specialties, and their work continues to evolve with advancements in medical technology, offering hope and healing to those in need.