Types of Branches an Orthopedic Surgeon May Specialize In

surgeon pointing at x-ray of a hip

Orthopedic surgeries are among the most common procedures performed in the United States. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, orthopedic surgeons perform over 650,000 operations yearly.

There are different types of orthopedic surgery, and surgeons may specialize in one or more areas to become experienced, highly skilled experts in their respective areas.

1. Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems within joints. During the procedure, your surgeon will make tiny incisions and insert a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the joint. It allows them to see inside the joint and make necessary repairs without having to physically open the entire area, saving healthy tissue from unnecessary trauma.

2. Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is when surgeons replace a damaged joint with an artificial implant. This operation is most common for the hip. Orthopedic surgeons may also perform knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle replacement surgery.

3. Sports Medicine

Sports medicine concerns injuries related to sports and athletics. Common procedures under this branch include:

  • ACL reconstruction – repairs the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the knee
  • Rotator cuff repair – repairs the tendons and muscles around the shoulder joint
  • Meniscus surgery – repairs or removes the meniscus, a piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint

4. Spine Surgery

Spine surgery concerns diagnosing and treating problems in the spine, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. Surgeons may perform it using minimally invasive techniques or open surgery.

5. Trauma Surgery

Trauma surgery treats bones, joints, and muscles injured due to trauma, like a car accident or a fall. Orthopedic surgeons specializing in trauma surgery often work in emergency rooms and trauma centers. They train to treat both simple and complex fractures, as well as other orthopedic injuries.

6. Pediatric Orthopedics

Pediatric orthopedics diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal problems in children. Surgeons perform a wide variety of procedures, such as spine surgery and foot surgery.

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons attain additional training to handle children’s complex and delicate bones and tissues.

7. Geriatric Orthopedics

Geriatric orthopedics focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems in older adults. People are more likely to experience specific bone, joint, and muscle problems as they age.

Orthopedic surgeons specializing in geriatric orthopedics treat these age-related problems. Some of the most common procedures under geriatric orthopedics are hip and knee replacement surgery.

8. Hand Surgery

Hand surgery concerns problems of the hand and upper extremity. Hand surgeons treat conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Common procedures include:

  • Carpal tunnel surgery – releases the pressure on the median nerve in the wrist
  • Trigger finger surgery – eases the pressure on the tendons in the fingers

9. Shoulder and Elbow Surgery

Surgeons specializing in this orthopedic surgery branch treat simple and complex shoulder and elbow problems. They treat conditions like:

  • Rotator cuff tears – a tear in the tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint
  • Shoulder impingement – the bones of the shoulder rub against each other, causing pain
  • Elbow fractures – a break in one of the bones of the elbow

10. Foot and Ankle Surgery

Foot and ankle surgeons deal with problems of the foot and ankle. Common procedures they perform include:

  • Bunion surgery – removes a bony growth that forms on the side of the big toe
  • Achilles tendon surgery – repairs the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone
  • Flatfoot surgery- corrects a deformity of the foot that causes it to collapse

11. Orthopedic Oncology

Orthopedic oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer of the bones and soft tissues. They treat primary tumors originating in the bones or soft tissues. They also treat secondary tumors, which spread to the bones or soft tissues from another body part.

Orthopedic oncologists work closely with other cancer care team members, such as medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. They provide comprehensive care for patients with bone and soft tissue tumors.

Trusted Orthopedic Surgeon Near You In Ft. Lauderdale, FL

There are many different types of orthopedic surgery. An orthopedic surgeon may specialize in one area or perform various procedures. These subspecialties sometimes overlap, and a surgeon may pursue training in more than one area.

Look no further than Paul Meli Orthopedic Surgery if you need a trusted orthopedic surgeon near you. Dr. Paul Meli, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, can give you the best comprehensive care you deserve. Call our friendly staff at (954) 324-7711 or book a consultation with our convenient appointment request form.

We look forward to serving you!