Orthopaedic surgeon

An orthopaedic surgeon is a doctor who specialises in treating problems affecting the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, muscles, tendons and joints. Treatment may be surgical or non-surgical.

People who visit an orthopaedic surgeon often suffer from pain and/or limitations in physical functioning. For example, they may have knee problems due to osteoarthritis or scoliosis causing back problems.

The orthopaedic surgeon will first ask about the complaints and how they developed. This is followed by a physical examination. Further tests may be carried out to investigate the problem in more detail, such as an X-ray, ultrasound scan or MRI scan. An arthroscopy is also possible.

Based on this, the orthopaedic surgeon proposes a treatment. If surgery is not needed, suitable information or medication may help, for example. Orthopaedic surgeons also often refer patients to a physiotherapist for further treatment.

Sometimes surgery is the only solution, for example when a joint needs replacing or a broken bone needs to be repaired with plates and screws. The orthopaedic surgeon carries out this operation. Physiotherapy often follows surgery to achieve a full recovery.