Guy Gehling | Walla Walla, WA | Expert Neurosurgeon

Orthopedic Surgeon: Definition, Expertise & Specialties

An orthopedic surgeon (orthopedist) is a medical specialist who focuses on injuries and diseases affecting your musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints, and soft tissues). Although this type of doctor is a surgeon, they often help people get relief with nonsurgical therapies. An orthopedic surgeon is also known as an orthopedist (sometimes it’s spelled as orthopaedist). Orthopedists have up to 14 years of medical training. This includes four years of undergraduate studies and four years in medical school. Training may include traditional medical school (a doctor of medicine degree, or MD) or osteopathic education (a doctor of osteopathy degree, or DO). Osteopathic doctors use a whole-person approach to care that addresses a person’s mind, body, and spirit.

Next, they complete an orthopedic residency. It’s typically five years and provides hands-on learning in a medical setting. Orthopedists who wish to subspecialize complete a one- or two-year fellowship.

After completing medical training, orthopedists can become board certified. They must pass an exam from a certifying organization, like the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Orthopedists must continue to advance their knowledge through regular continuing medical education courses.

You should see an orthopedic surgeon (orthopedist) if you experience symptoms of a musculoskeletal condition. These include:

First appointments often include:

Some conditions need additional imaging, like a CT scan or MRI for more in-depth views of the painful area. For these conditions, you might not receive a diagnosis or treatment plan on your first visit. Your orthopedist will recommend therapies to reduce symptoms until you receive a diagnosis.

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in nonsurgical and surgical techniques. For certain types of orthopedic trauma or congenital conditions, surgery is often the first line of treatment.

For most other conditions, orthopedists try nonsurgical therapies first. It may take more than one type of therapy to achieve lasting relief. It’s common to try a few nonsurgical therapies at the same time. If these options fail to relieve your symptoms, you may wish to consider surgery. Your orthopedist will provide specific recommendations and explain the risks and benefits.

Orthopedic surgeons (orthopedists) develop personalized care plans that may include:

Orthopedic surgeons (orthopedists) perform a broad range of procedures. The one that’s right for you depends on your diagnosis.

A note from Cleveland Clinic… Orthopedic surgeons (orthopedists) treat a broad range of musculoskeletal issues in people of all ages. Some specialize in areas like upper extremity, foot and ankle, and spine conditions. At your appointment, be ready to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and therapies you’ve tried. Seeing an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t always mean you’ll end up having surgery. They help many people feel better with nonsurgical therapies, like injections and physical therapy.

Last reviewed on 03/01/2022.

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