Orthopedic surgeons are devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Some orthopedists are generalists, while others specialize in certain areas of the body, such as:
- Hip and knee
- Foot and ankle
- Shoulder and elbow
- Hand
- Spine
Orthopedic surgeons explore nonsurgical options first, such as pain medication or rehabilitation. They also have the expertise to perform surgery to repair an injury or correct a condition, if necessary.
Musculoskeletal pain is the number one reason why people visit their doctors each year.
Many people know that orthopedic surgeons treat broken bones, and replace painful joints, but did you know that orthopedic surgeons also treat patients for these problems?
- Sports injuries
- Back pain, ruptured disks, and spinal stenosis
- Bone tumors
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, hand arthritis, and hand injuries
- Club foot, bow legs, and hip dysplasia
- Orthopedic trauma
- Limb lengthening
- Achilles tendon injuries, bunions, and foot and ankle injuries
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
To learn about the treatment and management of these and many other orthopedic conditions, visit The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) patient education website, orthoinfo.org
An orthopedic surgeon is an expert with extensive training in the proper diagnosis and the treatment (both nonsurgical and surgical) of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
A qualified hand specialist is trained to diagnose and treat all problems related to the different structures in the hand, wrist, and forearm.
The hand is a unique area of the human body that is made up of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, skin, and blood vessels. These elements must all be in good working order for the hand to function well.
The relationship between all these structures is delicate and refined. An injury or disease can affect any or all of these structures and impair the use of the hand.
Hand specialists have received additional specialized training in the treatment of hand problems. Many also have expertise with problems of the elbow, arm, and shoulder. Some treat only children, some treat only adults, and some treat both. Common problems treated include:
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- tennis elbow
- wrist pain
- sports injuries of the hand and wrist
- fractures of the hand, wrist, and forearm
- trigger finger
Other problems treated can include arthritis, nerve and tendon injuries, and congenital limb differences (birth defects).
Not all problems treated by a hand specialist need surgery. They often recommend nonsurgical treatments, such as medication, splints, therapy, or injections.
If you have pain in your fingers, hand, wrist, or arm, or if you have other upper-extremity related concerns, you may want to consult a hand specialist.
The upper extremity consists of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. The upper limb is divided into three regions that consist of the arm, located between the shoulder and elbow joints; the forearm, which is between the elbow and wrist joints; and the hand, which is located distal to the wrist.
Yes, we treat all injuries and are set up to report as needed for workers’ compensation. At the time of your visit, you’ll need to provide us with your insurance information (if applicable), identification, social security number, and details about the work injury.
Go To Ortho is an Immediate Injury Care clinic geared to treating any type of musculoskeletal injury–those involving the joints, muscles, nerves, bones, ligaments, tissue, tendons, and skin. Go To Ortho is connected to and a subsidiary of Summit Orthopaedics, where the doctors also practice.
Summit Orthopaedics offers appointments, but if you want immediate access, Go To Ortho is our immediate injury care clinic. Patients who are treated at Go To Ortho for urgent orthopedic care would be referred to Summit Orthopaedics if they need ongoing care.