An orthopedic surgeon, or orthopaedic surgeon, is a surgeon who has been educated and
trained in the diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatment of
diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic surgeons work closely with other health care providers and often serve as
consultants to other physicians. Orthopedic surgeons often are involved in education (e.g.,
medical school professors) or research. They may practice in an orthopedic or multi-
specialty group, or in a solo practice.Orthopedic surgeons treat a number of conditions that
affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. These conditions include
the following:
Arthritis
Bone tumors
Cerebral palsy
Club foot, knock knees, bow legs, bunions, hammertoes
Physicians entering the field of orthopedic surgery may choose to practice general
orthopedic surgery, or can specialize in one of the following areas: