Question 1

What is orthopedics?

Accepted Answer

Orthopedics (alternatively, orthopedics) is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions, disorders, and injuries of the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. A doctor who specializes in this medical specialty is called an orthopedic surgeon or orthopedist. Please click here to learn more about orthopedic surgeons and their training and specialization.

Question 2

What is arthritis?

Accepted Answer

The word “arthritis” literally means “joint inflammation.” Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that damages the lining surrounding our joints while also destroying our bones, tissue, and joints over time. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that slowly damages the cartilage surrounding the ends of bones and is common in the hip, knee, and spine.

Question 3

What is bursitis?

Accepted Answer

Bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac located around and between joints. Bursitis causes a reduction in or a loss of motion at the affected joint. Bursitis typically occurs in the heel, hip, knee, shoulder, and thumb.

Question 4

What is cartilage?

Accepted Answer

Cartilage is a soft, rubbery, gel-like coating on the ends of bones, where they articulate, that protects joints and facilitates movement.

Question 5

What is a ligament?

Accepted Answer

A ligament is an elastic band of tissue that connects bone to bone and provides stability to the joint.

Question 6

What is a tendon?

Accepted Answer

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Question 7

What is tendinitis?

Accepted Answer

Tendinitis, also spelled tendonitis, is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Chronic strain, overuse, or misuse of a tendon leading to a repetitive stress injury or a serious acute injury can lead to weakness, a tear, or swelling of the tendon tissue, resulting in pain and stiffness near the tendon. Tendinitis usually occurs in the elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, thumb, and wrist but can occur in any tendon.

Question 8

Do I use ice or heat on my injury?

Accepted Answer

The general rule of thumb is to use ice in the acute stage of an injury (within the first 24-48 hours) or whenever swelling is showing. Ice helps to reduce inflammation and swelling by decreasing blood flow to the injured area. The general guideline is to apply ice indirectly (not directly onto the skin) for 20 minutes, remove the ice for at least 20 minutes, and repeat as necessary.

Heat is used to increase blood flow, which helps promote pain relief after inflammation and swelling subside. Heat is also used to assist in warming muscles up prior to exercise, any physical activity, or physical therapy.

Question 9

What is an orthopedic doctor? What is an orthopedic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

An orthopedic doctor, also known as an orthopedist, is a medical doctor (M.D.) or a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) who specializes in the musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

Orthopedic surgeons are specialized in the musculoskeletal system; many orthopedists specialize in certain areas of the body, such as foot and ankle, hand and wrist, back, or neck and spine. Additionally, orthopedic doctors may focus on a specific field of orthopedics, like pediatrics, sports medicine, or trauma.

Question 10

What is the educational training for an orthopedic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Board-certified orthopedic surgeons have successfully completed a minimum of 13 years of formal education:

Undergraduate: Four years of study in a college or university.
Medical School: Four years of study in a school of medicine.
Orthopedic Residency: Five years of study at a major medical institution.
Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons have completed:

Undergraduate: Four years of study in a college or university.
Medical School: Four years of study in a school of medicine.
Orthopedic Residency: Five years of study at a major medical institution.
Fellowship Training: One year of specialized education in an accredited fellowship program.
All orthopedic surgeons continue their medical education yearly to stay current with orthopedic knowledge and skills.

Question 11

What is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Once a doctor has completed an orthopedic residency at a major medical institution, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery offers a written test to become board-eligible. If the written test is passed, the doctor becomes “eligible” to take the oral test after two years in practice. When the doctor passes the oral exam, the doctor becomes “board-certified” and is considered a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

The intent of the certification process, as defined by the board members of the American Board of Medical Specialties, is to provide assurance to the public that a certified medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and an evaluation, including an examination process designed to assess the knowledge, experience, and skills requisite to the provision of high-quality patient care in that specialty.

Question 12

What is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

A fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who has completed a minimum of 13 years of education and has completed an additional year of specialty training in a specific field of orthopedics in an accredited fellowship program. There are fellowships in several areas of orthopedics: foot and ankle, hand and wrist, back, and neck and spine. Additionally, orthopedic surgeons may focus on a specific field of orthopedics, like pediatrics, sports medicine, or trauma.

Question 13

What is a physiatrist (physical medicine & rehabilitation physician)?

Accepted Answer

A physiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in nonsurgical pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and neurological studies.

Question 14

What is a primary care sports medicine doctor?

Accepted Answer

A primary care sports medicine doctor is a leader in the field of sports medicine. Either through advanced fellowship training or through years of clinical experience, a primary care sports medicine doctor has learned the skills to take care of athletes of all ages, sports, and levels of competition. Primary care sports medicine doctors often serve as team doctors to professional sports teams or are personal doctors to elite-level athletes.

Question 15

What is a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who supports doctors, nurses, and other medical staff by performing both administrative and clinical tasks. They may handle duties like scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, taking vital signs, drawing blood, and assisting with patient exams, helping ensure a smooth workflow in medical facilities.

Question 16

What is a physician assistant (PA)?

Accepted Answer

A physician assistant, commonly referred to as a PA, is a healthcare professional licensed to practice medicine with doctor supervision. Physician assistants can treat patients and write prescriptions. PAs are trained to recognize when patients need the attention of a supervising doctor or specialist. Physician assistants see patients in the office as well as assist the doctors in surgery.

Question 17

What is a nurse practitioner (NP)?

Accepted Answer

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who is trained to provide a wide range of healthcare services. NPs can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care, often serving as primary healthcare providers. They focus on both treating and educating patients, emphasizing preventive care and overall wellness.

Question 18

How do doctors and physician assistants work together?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between a physician assistant and his or her supervising doctor is characterized by mutual trust and respect; they function as a team in providing quality medical services. The physician assistant is a representative of the doctor and treats patients in the style and manner that has been developed and directed by the supervising doctor.

Physician assistants are colleagues of doctors. They work together to ensure access to quality healthcare in a cost-effective and timely manner. Their training includes anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, and physical diagnosis and treatment. This training is followed by clinical rotations. A physician assistant is a graduate of an accredited PA program and is authorized by the state or credentialed by the federal government to practice medicine as delegated by and with the supervision of a doctor. He or she is a highly qualified practitioner who is capable of functioning with autonomy as authorized by his or her supervising doctor.

Question 19

What is a physician assistant’s scope of practice?

Accepted Answer

Doctors may delegate to PAs those medical duties that are within their scope of practice, training, and experience, which are permitted by state law.

Physician assistants provide a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services, which have traditionally been performed by doctors. PAs are trained to conduct physical examinations, diagnose illnesses, order and interpret X-rays and laboratory studies, write prescriptions, develop treatment plans, and instruct and counsel patients. They also treat injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting. Additionally, PAs are qualified to assist in surgery. These providers may see patients independently and/or directly with a doctor.

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