What are the Primary Duties of an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons must work together with a team of specialists to best determine the type of care required to treat a patient. Our team includes two highly regarded doctors of orthopedic surgery and one physician assistant. An Orthopedic in Hackensack NJ at NYSMI, for example, would coordinate with nurses, medical assistants, receptionists, and–of course–the patient. Some of these duties as a part of the team include:
- Speaking with the patient to ensure a proper diagnosis.
- Discussing non-surgical and surgical options with the patient.
- Prescribing and reading results of diagnostic tests such as X-ray and MRI.
- Performing the surgery–as deemed necessary.
- Determining recovery options such as physical therapy, immobilization, or injections.
- Following up with the patient on the progress of the recovery and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.
An orthopedic surgeon wears many hats; they specialize in bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles of the body.
Their primary duties can vary depending on the field one specializes in. For example, they may treat:
- Elbow: treatment may be for agitation, fracture, or tendonitis and often is a result of use over time.
- Foot & Ankle: with many moving parts in this area of the body (such as joints, bones, and ligaments), an injury may result in fractures, sprain, strain, and other conditions.
- Hand & Wrist: carpal tunnel may be the most common cause of pain in this area; however, there can be many reasons, including arthritis, fractures, ganglion cysts, and tendonitis to name a few.
- Hips: joints that bear a large amount of the body’s weight. Pain in these areas can have many sources, but cartilage cushioning the areas is key to keeping the bones from rubbing against each other.
- Knee: the largest joint in the body–while being one of the most complex–make the knee vulnerable to injury. Running and other sports are common causes of injury.
- Shoulder: includes the clavicle, humorous, and scapula and is the most mobile joint in the body.
Our office at NYSMI may use:
- Injections – There are three types of injections used by an Orthopedic in Hackensack NJ:
- PRP (Platelet-rich plasma): an injection involving a blood solution denser in platelets, which can help the body heal faster. It can be injected into the site of injury and often with an anesthetic.
- Cortisone: an injection that usually has a corticosteroid and an anesthetic to relieve inflammation and pain.
- Viscosupplementation: a fluid that normally cushions a joint in the body called hyaluronic acid.
- Radiology – our surgeons will use X-ray and MRI technology to diagnose and treat many types of injuries and pain. X-rays have particularly low levels of radiation and will help treatment decisions immensely.
- Surgery – many injuries do not necessarily require surgery; however, when it is deemed necessary, an orthopedic surgeon would perform an arthroscopic surgery which is a minor type of surgery. This duty required of an Orthopedic in Hackensack NJ is one of our most respected at NYSMI.
Some other suggestions that an orthopedic surgeon may have for a patient include:
- Physical therapy: excising the affected area is important in building muscle to prevent further damage or tears.
- Immobilization: this can help by holding the joint or bone in place with a medical device while healing.
- Medication: over-the-counter medication such as NSAIDs may be recommended for inflammation reduction or pain relief.
Orthopedic surgeons must also exhibit specific skills required of the practice such as:
- Dedication: they must be committed to learning more about medicine and staying up-to-date on the latest research.
- Sympathy: patients are bound to be apprehensive or scared about the prospect of surgery. It’s important to answer any questions they may have and ease nerves.
- Independent: although working with a team, many of the patient’s decisions on their care will be based on your recommendation. It’s important to be able to make one with confidence.
- Discussion: talking with a patient openly and honestly is critical to a patient’s understanding of how they can be treated.
Contact Our Orthopedic in Hackensack, NJ
These are just some of the most important duties that may be used by an Orthopedic in Hackensack NJ like those at NYSMI. Performing advanced, compassionate patient care by a well-trained specialist is the key to a successful recovery, and our team is known to provide excellence in all aspects by performing the necessary duties of an orthopedic surgeon.