What is Orthopaedic surgery?
Orthopedics is a medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis,
treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and
diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones,
joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. The
specialty of Orthopaedic surgery is devoted to the care for
all ages, from newborns with birth defects through to senior
citizens with arthritis and fractures. Sports injuries are
also an important part of Orthopaedic surgery.
What is an
Orthopaedic surgeon?
An Orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor with extensive
postgraduate training in the proper diagnosis and treatment
of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
An Orthopaedic surgeon will usually have spent between 12
and 16 years of formal education before being able to
practice as a surgeon. This typically consists of six years
at medical school, internship of one year, residency of two
to three years, four years of higher Orthopaedic training
and then one to two years of postgraduate fellowship or
research.
Before being able to practice as an Orthopaedic surgeon he
or she must pass the fellowship examination of the Royal
Australasian College Of Surgeons in Orthopaedic Surgery.
An Orthopaedic surgeon must continue to keep informed and up
to date through participating in the Continuing Education
Programme ot the Australian Orthopaedic Association and
Royal Australasian College Of Surgeons. Each year an
Orthopaedic surgeon spends many hours studying and attending
continuing medical education conferences and courses to
maintain current orthopedic knowledge and skills.
What does an
Orthopaedic Surgeon do?
People often think that Orthopaedic Surgeons just do
operations. This is not the case. A large part of
Orthopaedic practice is the non-operative management of
musculoskeletal conditions.
An Orthopaedic
surgeon will:
•Through taking a clinical history, performing a physical
examination, ordering appropriate x-rays and other special
tests, form a diagnosis of your injury or disorder.
•Will recommend treatment for your condition, including
medications, splints, exercises, injections, physical
therapy or surgery.
•Will direct and monitor your rehabilitation through
physiotherapy and exercise.
•Will provide you with information and advise to help
prevent deterioration in your condition.
Orthopedic patients have benefited from technological
advances over the years, such as joint replacement surgery,
keyhole or arthroscopic surgery, which allows the surgeon to
look inside a joint, and minimally invasive surgery.
What to expect at your visit.
Before your visit make sure that you have a valid referral
from your family doctor. You will need this in order to get
a refund from Medicare for part of your consultation fee.
You will also need to locate and bring all your current and
old x-rays and imaging with you to your visit. Bring them at
each visit.
Your consultation will start with an interview and physical
examination. This may be followed by diagnostic tests such
as blood tests, X-rays, or other tests.
Your treatment may involve medical advise, medications,
casts, splints, injections and physical therapies. Surgery
may be recommended. For most orthopedic diseases and
injuries there is usually more than one form of possible
treatment. Treatment options will be discussed - it is
always your decision as to whether you wish to proceed with
one form of treatment or another.
We look forward to helping you overcome your current
condition by Moving Forward together.
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