Common Conditions Treated by Orthopedic Surgeons

An orthopedic surgeon is a medical specialist focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, which work together to allow movement and provide structural support to the body. Orthopedic Surgeon in Houston, Texas are trained to treat a wide range of conditions, from common fractures to complex deformities, degenerative diseases, and sports injuries.

The Role of an Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic surgeons play a crucial role in maintaining or restoring the function and quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. They are skilled in both surgical and non-surgical approaches, offering patients a variety of treatment options. These treatments may include physical therapy, medications, injections, or, when necessary, surgery.

Eric F Berkman MD – Top Rated Orthopedic Surgeon in Houston, Texas. Specializing in treating various orthopedic conditions of shoulder, elbow, knee, hand, and foot and ankle. Orthopedic injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents, sports and in daily activities. He offers a comprehensive and high quality medical care for his patients. Dr Berkman offers the best possible treatment and utmost care to each individual to restore freedom of movement and relieve the pain of diseased and degenerative joints.

Orthopedic surgery is often needed for traumatic injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, that may require realignment or stabilization of bones and joints. Surgeons also treat chronic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, and degenerative diseases such as tendonitis or bursitis. Additionally, they are involved in sports medicine, offering expertise in preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries, from sprains and strains to ligament tears and cartilage damage.

Specializations within Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgeons often specialize in specific areas of the musculoskeletal system to provide more focused and expert care. Some of the common subspecialties include:

• Sports Medicine: This specialty focuses on injuries sustained during physical activity, particularly in athletes. It includes treatments for ligament tears, tendonitis, fractures, and joint dislocations, as well as rehabilitation and injury prevention.
• Spine Surgery: Surgeons specializing in spine care focus on conditions related to the spine, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal fractures. These specialists perform surgeries like spinal fusions or decompression to alleviate pain and restore function.
• Joint Replacement and Arthroplasty: This area deals with the replacement of damaged joints, often due to arthritis or injury. Hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are common procedures that help restore mobility and reduce pain in patients with severe joint degeneration.
• Pediatric Orthopedics: These surgeons specialize in treating musculoskeletal issues in children, ranging from congenital conditions like clubfoot to fractures or developmental disorders like scoliosis.
• Trauma and Fracture Care: Orthopedic surgeons specializing in trauma care treat patients with serious bone fractures, including those resulting from accidents, falls, or violent injuries. These specialists ensure proper alignment and healing of broken bones, often using surgical interventions like plating or pinning.

Education and Training

Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires extensive education and training. After completing a four-year undergraduate degree, aspiring surgeons must attend medical school for another four years, followed by a residency program in orthopedic surgery. Residency typically lasts five years and provides hands-on training in various orthopedic disciplines. After residency, many orthopedic surgeons pursue fellowships in a particular subspecialty to gain further expertise.

In addition to their formal education, orthopedic surgeons must stay current with the latest advancements in medical research and technology to provide the best care possible. Continuing medical education (CME) is required to maintain certification and licensure.

Orthopedic surgeons play a vital role in the health and well-being of patients by addressing a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. Their expertise allows individuals to regain mobility, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life after injuries or chronic conditions. Whether through non-surgical treatments or advanced surgical techniques, orthopedic surgeons make significant contributions to the field of medicine, helping patients lead active and pain-free lives.