Orthopedic surgeons are doctors concerned with treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. General orthopedic surgeons complete five years of residency. Through surgical and nonsurgical means they repair broken bones, tendons and ligaments; replace diseased joints; and remove bone cancers. It is possible to pursue fellowship training beyond the traditional five years and focus on one of many subspecialty areas. According to "Becker's Orthopedic and Spine Review," 86 percent of orthopedic surgeons complete at least one fellowship. While there are many additional types of orthopedic surgeons, the most common are hand, spine, sports medicine and total joint replacement surgeons.
Hand Surgeons
Hand surgeons have completed at least one year of additional training beyond residency. This specialty is not exclusive to orthopedic surgeons, as plastic surgeons and sometimes general surgeons can complete fellowships in hand surgery. Hand surgeons are best known for using microsurgical methods to reattach severed fingers and limbs; however, this makes up an extremely small percentage of their overall practice. According to the American Association of Hand Surgeons, these surgeons most commonly treat conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and diseases of the finger tendons.
Spine Surgeons
Like hand surgery, spine surgery is not exclusive to orthopedic surgeons. Neurosurgeons also work on the spine, although they usually focus on the neurological issues while orthopedic surgeons focus on bone disease. Spine surgeons are best known for performing spinal fusion surgery for disc abnormalities and nerve entrapment. They can further subspecialize and focus on pediatric disease, congenital abnormalities and trauma injuries. These physicians also complete a one-year fellowship after residency.
Sports Medicine Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons who have completed a fellowship in sports medicine are responsible for the surgical care of sports-related injuries. These physicians are highly trained in performing injury assessment, reading MRIs and performing arthroscopic surgery; they are employed by various sports teams or organizations or are in private group practice. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the procedures most commonly performed are arthroscopic cartilage repair, anterior cruciate ligament repair and arthroscopic shoulder surgery for various injuries.
Total Joint Replacement Surgeons
This subspecialty of orthopedic surgery concerns the replacement of diseased joints, most commonly the hips or knees. While many general orthopedic surgeons perform these procedures, some also complete an extra year of fellowship training and then tailor their practice exclusively to these procedures. Recent advances in this field allow surgeons to perform total joint replacement using minimally invasive means. One of the benefits of fellowship training is specialization in these minimally invasive techniques.
