Orthopedic Surgery: The Doctors Who Keep Us Moving

 By: Dhyan Patel

Orthopedic Surgery

Note: This article is part of a student-run educational series on medical specialties, based on research and/or shadowing (in person or virtual), in order to educate other students who are interested in healthcare careers and may lack the ability to shadow specialists in their areas.

Background

Many people often participate in sports at some point throughout their lives. Whether it is making a stride as a runner, swinging a baseball bat, jumping for track, or doing anything physical, movement is an important part of our daily lives. However, when we face an injury or disease with our bones and joints, it takes a skilled specialist to help us move freely again. That specialist is a doctor known as an orthopedic surgeon.


Orthopedic surgery refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system which is the network of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that help us create motion. Orthopedic surgeons restore strength, stability, and mobility to patients of all ages that may be facing some problem.

So, what do they do?

Orthopedic surgeons diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions that affect an individual's body’s framework. Their work may range from simple fracture repairs to complex joint reconstructions and spinal corrections.


Some of their common responsibilities include:

  • Treating broken bones, torn ligaments, and dislocated joints

  • Performing joint replacement surgeries such as hip or knee replacements

  • Correcting spinal deformities such as scoliosis

  • Repairing sport injuries such as ACL and rotator cuff tears

  • Managing arthritis and chronic musculoskeletal pain

  • Collaborating with physical therapists in order to design recovery plans.

Additional Information

Certain orthopedic surgeons may choose to specialize further by focusing on sports medicine, hand surgery, spine surgery, or even pediatric orthopedics. Others may work as trauma surgeons, where they respond to emergencies with severe fractures.


Orthopedic surgeons rely on technology such as 3D imaging, robotics, and computer assisted navigation to plan and execute their procedures. Certain materials and components also play a key role for these doctors as joint implants and bone screws are engineered to mimic the body’s natural structure and durability.


In this medical field there is constant innovation which changes how treatments are done such as regenerative treatments such as stem cell therapy and biologic implants, or even the use of robotic assisted surgery that allows for smaller incisions and faster recovery time.

Required education and training

Similarly to other medical careers, an orthopedic surgeon must get their bachelor's and then complete four years of medical school. After that they must enter a five year long orthopedic surgery residency. During this period of time, they learn the fundamentals of musculoskeletal anatomy, surgical techniques, and patient care. 


Many people after residency may choose to pursue fellowships for 1-2 years in subspecialties such as sports medicine, spine surgery, or pediatric orthopedics. 

Importance

The movement of our body is more important to us than we think. It represents our freedom and independence that we have in our lives. As a result, orthopedic surgeons don’t just fix bones, but they restore our sense of freedom. They empower people to move without feeling pain and help rediscover their strength.

References

Center for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. (2020, June 5). What Can an Orthopedic Doctor Treat? | Center for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. Center for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. https://www.centerfororthosurgery.com/what-can-an-orthopedic-doctor-treat/

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, September 8). Orthopedic Surgeon: Definition, Expertise & Specialties. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/orthopedic-surgeon-orthopedist

Coastal Orthopedics. (2023, August 28). What are the Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries? - Coastal Orthopedics. Coastal Orthopedics. https://coastalorthopedics.com/blog/what-are-the-most-common-orthopedic-surgeries/

Mayo Clinic. (2025). Curriculum - Orthopedic Surgery Residency (Minnesota) - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. https://college.mayo.edu/academics/residencies-and-fellowships/orthopedic-surgery-residency-minnesota/curriculum/#:~:text=Clinical%20training%20and%20experience%20in,Sports%20medicine

Medschoolcoach. (2020). Orthopaedic Surgery with Dr. Matthew Winterton - Virtual Pre-Med Education by MedSchoolCoach. Virtual Pre-Med Education by MedSchoolCoach. https://shadowing.medschoolcoach.com/lessons/orthopaedic-surgery-with-dr-matthew-winterton/

The Ohio State University College of Medicine. (2025). Osu.edu. https://medicine.osu.edu/departments/sports-medicine/education/fellowships/orthopaedic-surgery

The Orthopedic Clinic. (2024, September 19). Top 12 Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries - The Orthopedic Clinic. The Orthopedic Clinic. https://orthotoc.com/common-orthopedic-surgeries/#:~:text=Once%20the%20surgeon%20can%20see,with%20metal%20or%20plastic%20parts.

WebMD Editorial Contributor. (2020, December 22). What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-orthopedic-surgeon

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