Orthopedic Surgeon/Adult Reconstruction

Orthopedic Surgeon

The duties of the Orthopedic Surgeon are involved in the care of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, muscles, associated nerves, arteries, and the overlying skin. Orthopedic surgeons take care of a wide variety of problems that may be present at birth, or that may develop at any time during the lifetime of a person. The field of orthopedic surgery has broadened in recent years to include a number of subspecialties. Following a standard residency in orthopedic surgery, an orthopedist may continue with an additional one- or two-year fellowship to achieve qualifications in the areas of hand surgery, sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, foot and ankle orthopedics, joint replacement, trauma surgery and oncology. An Orthopedic Adult Reconstruction specialist includes evaluation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of degenerative musculoskeletal conditions of the joints, primarily hip and knee arthritis. These specialists are primarily focused on both primary and revision reconstructive procedures of the hip, knee, and other joints, often due to arthritis, trauma, or degenerative diseases.

• Examine patient's and assess any deformity or illness.
• Document and review patients' histories.
• Apply and supervise appropriate curative, palliative, reconstructive, and corrective treatment modalities.
• Perform surgeries on patients who want to augment and/or beautify certain body parts.
• Examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Prescribes course of treatment for patients with injuries, disorders, or malformations and performs required surgery.
• Conducts and supervises direct patient care, including non-surgical and other interventional treatment options.
• Follow up with patients and provide appropriate medical care.
• Explain the risks and dangers of surgical procedures to patients.

US Department of Veterans Affairs