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Finding the right orthopedic specialist is very important. Not long ago, orthopedics was its own specialty, but today, there are quite a few specialties within this general classification. An older patient requiring a hip replacement needs a different doctor than parents who need to find one who specializes in pediatrics. Some of these sub-specialties include the following. A hand surgeon primarily uses microsurgical techniques to treat injuries to these parts of the body. The American Association of Hand Surgeons says the most common procedures they perform treat conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and injuries or diseases that affect the hand's small tendons and cartilage. They also surgically treat patients who require joint replacement for those that suffer from congenital hand deformities Spine surgeons often work with neurosurgeons - which surgically repair spinal nerve damage - while the orthopedic specialist focuses on bone diseases or damage. The primary procedures of an orthopedic spine specialist include degenerative conditions affecting the neck and back, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spinal deformities such as scoliosis, spinal cancer, and traumatic injury. Some of these doctors may further specialize in treating these same conditions in small children; commonly referred to as Pediatric Orthopedics. Sports Medicine Surgeons are usually required to complete a fellowship in sports medicine before being qualified to surgically care for patients who have experienced sports-related injuries. Their fellowships require that they be highly trained in performing injury assessment, reading MRIs and performing arthroscopic surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the most common procedures performed are arthroscopic cartilage repair, anterior, medial and posterior cruciate ligament repair and arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Total joint replacement orthopedic specialists primarily focus on the replacement of diseased or degenerative joints, most commonly to the hips or knees. Many general orthopedic surgeons perform such procedures. But many complete an extra year of fellowship training and then shape their practices exclusively to these types of surgery. Due to recent advances in surgical techniques and greater replacement device quality, more surgeons are performing total joint replacement less invasively. When choosing an orthopedic specialist, here are some questions you should ask. * Ask about medical education and residency experience. Before scheduling an initial consultation with an orthopedist, call the office to ask about the doctor's background and training. * Ask the doctor's specialties after researching your condition. * Ask about the surgeon's experience. * Check out social media and the blogosphere to see where, how much (and how) a particular orthopedic specialist might be viewed by patients he or she has already treated. * Query the doctor's treatment philosophy. * Find out about the doctor's bedside manner. And during the interview, judge for yourself if this orthopedic surgeon encourages patients to ask questions. * Does this doctor seem anxious to get you into surgery or does he or she want to explore all preventative care measures? A doctor who emphasizes exploring all options is truly looking to help each patient completely recover, rather than simply performing a procedure to relieve an orthopedic condition. * Find out where the doctor has surgical privileges. In need of an orthopedic specialist, Syracuse? Our practice features some of the most experienced and caring orthopedic specialists in the business. For more information please visit our website at http://www.upstateorthopedics.com.
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