Types Of Bone Doctors And Their Specializations
While a general orthopedist can treat many issues, you may be referred to a sub-specialist for more complex cases. Here are the most common types:
1. Specialized by Body Part
-
Spine Surgeons: Focus on the back and neck. They treat herniated discs, scoliosis, and spinal fractures.
-
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgeons: Experts in the intricate bones and nerves of the hand, wrist, and elbow (e.g., Carpal Tunnel or “Trigger Finger”).
-
Foot & Ankle Surgeons: Treat everything from sports-related ankle sprains to bunions and complex foot reconstructions.
-
Hip & Knee (Joint Replacement) Specialists: Focus on advanced arthritis and performing total joint replacements.
2. Specialized by Type of Injury or Patient
-
Sports Medicine Specialists: Focus on injuries common in active people, such as ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries, and concussions.
-
Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons: Specialize in severe, acute injuries like multiple broken bones from accidents or “non-healing” fractures.
-
Pediatric Orthopedists: Treat children and teenagers. Because kids’ bones are still growing (at the “growth plates”), they require different care than adults.
-
Orthopedic Oncologists: Specialists who treat benign or malignant tumors found in the bones or muscles.
3. Non-Surgical “Bone and Muscle” Doctors
-
Physiatrists (PM&R Doctors): Focus on physical medicine and rehabilitation. They help with pain and function without using surgery.
-
Rheumatologists: Treat “bone and joint” pain caused by systemic or autoimmune issues like Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus, rather than physical injury.
-
Podiatrists: While not MD orthopedists, they are doctors specifically for the foot and ankle, often treating bone-related issues like stress fractures.
People Also Ask
What is a bone specialist called?
A bone specialist is primarily called an Orthopedic Surgeon or Orthopedist.
What is another name for orthopedics?
It is often called Orthopedic Surgery or Musculoskeletal Medicine.
What is the meaning of Ortho doctor?
An “Ortho doctor” is shorthand for an Orthopedist. The prefix “ortho” means “straight,” referring to the doctor’s job of straightening or correcting the skeleton.
What is the meaning of orthologist?
In a medical setting, “orthologist” is usually a misspelling of Orthopedist.
Note: In science, orthology refers to the study of genes, and in linguistics, it refers to correct speaking. If you have a bone injury, you are looking for an Orthopedist.
What is a broken bone doctor called?
They are called Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons or simply Orthopedists. In an emergency room, the initial doctor may be an Emergency Physician, but they will refer you to an Orthopedist for the actual “setting” or casting of the bone.
