What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

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An orthopedic surgeon, or orthopaedic surgeon, is a surgeon who has been educated and trained in the diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

Orthopedic surgeons work closely with other health care providers and often serve as consultants to other physicians. Orthopedic surgeons often are involved in education (e.g., medical school professors) or research. They may practice in an orthopedic or multi-specialty group, or in a solo practice.

Orthopedic surgeons treat a number of conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. These conditions include the following:

• Arthritis
• Bone tumors
• Cerebral palsy
• Club foot, knock knees, bow legs, bunions, hammertoes
• Dislocations
• Fractures, sprains, and strains
• Muscle, ligament, and tendon damage
• Osteoporosis
• Spine disorders (e.g., sciatica, scoliosis, ruptured disc)

Physicians entering the field of orthopedic surgery may choose to practice general orthopedic surgery, or can specialize in one of the following areas:

• Arthroscopy
• Foot and Ankle
• Hand
• Joint Replacement
• Musculoskeletal Oncology
• Pediatric
• Rehabilitation
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Shoulder and Elbows
• Spine
• Sports Medicine
• Trauma and Fractures

Education and Training
To become an orthopedic surgeon, candidates must complete an undergraduate program and 4 years of medical school, resulting in a medical degree. Training may include a full orthopedic rotation during medical school.

After graduation, physicians must complete a 5-year residency program. Residency program requirements usually include 4 years of orthopedic surgery training and 1 year of training in general surgery, pediatrics, or internal medicine.

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Board Certification
Board certification requires an orthopedic surgeon to complete training in a residency program, practice in the field of orthopedic surgery for 2 years, and pass an examination (written and oral). The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS) tests and certifies eligible physicians in the specialty field of orthopedic surgery.

To maintain certification, orthopedic surgeons certified after 1986 must complete 120 hours of continuing medical education (CME), must undergo peer review, and must pass a written or oral examination every 7 to 10 years.

Hand Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons may subspecialize in hand surgery. These candidates must complete the following requirements:

• One additional year of education
• Endorsement of the program director
• Peer review
• Document a minimum number of hand surgeries
• Pass a written examination

Upon completion of these requirements, the surgeon is awarded a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand by the ABOS. Surgeons must be recertified in this subspecialty every 10 years.

What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon? Resources

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