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Orthopaedic surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions involving the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. While every orthopaedic surgeon receives broad training in musculoskeletal care, many choose to complete additional fellowship training in a specific area of the body or a particular type of treatment. If you're not sure which specialist is right for your condition, don't worry. Your primary care provider or an orthopaedic practice can help guide you to the physician best suited to your needs. Below is an overview of the most common orthopaedic subspecialties. Click on a specialty from the list to be taken directly to that section of the page. |
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Sports medicine specialists care for athletes of all ages—from weekend warriors to professional competitors—as well as anyone with injuries caused by physical activity. Common conditions include:
Sports medicine physicians often focus on helping patients safely return to work, sports, and other physical activities. |
Joint replacement specialists treat arthritis and other conditions that cause severe joint pain and loss of function. When nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective, they may recommend replacing the damaged joint with an artificial implant. Common conditions include:
Common procedures include hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgery. |
Spine specialists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the neck and back. Many spine problems can be managed without surgery using physical therapy, medications, or injections. Surgery is considered when other treatments have not provided relief or when nerve function is threatened.
Common conditions include:
Common procedures include hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgery. |
Hand specialists treat conditions involving the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. They also care for nerve, tendon, and ligament injuries affecting the upper extremity.
Common conditions include:
Common procedures include hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgery. |
Common conditions include:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Arthritis
- Flat feet
- Heel pain
- Foot and ankle fractures
- Tendon injuries
Trauma surgeons specialize in treating broken bones and other serious musculoskeletal injuries caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and other traumatic events.
Common conditions include:
Many orthopaedic trauma surgeons also provide follow-up care throughout the recovery process to help patients regain strength and function. |
Children are not simply "small adults." Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons specialize in caring for infants, children, and teenagers whose bones and joints are still growing.
Common conditions include:
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Orthopaedic oncologists diagnose and treat tumors affecting bones and soft tissues. These tumors may be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Common conditions include:
These specialists work closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other members of the cancer care team. |
Common conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Shoulder, hip, knee, foot, and ankle pain
- Overuse injuries