Specialty4 min read
Orthopaedic surgery
An orthopaedic surgeon is devoted to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles, by medical, surgical and physical methods.
According to the AAOS: orthopaedic surgeons are "dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles", and treat sports injuries, fractures, joint replacement, back pain and arthritis from birth to old age. According to FREIDA: the study of diseases, disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system and their prevention and treatment by medical, surgical and physical means. MedlinePlus summarises it as "disorders of the bones and connective tissue".
The AAOS says that orthopaedic surgeons "explore non-surgical options first, such as pain relievers or rehabilitation", and surgery is resorted to only when conservative care is not enough to restore function and relieve pain, and that their training is about 14 years of formal education. On this site, the pages on osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and trauma surgery are linked to it. The two professional references (Grade 4) are descriptive and this page does not cover criteria for the decision to operate.
In one minute123
- What is it?
- The specialty of diseases and injuries of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
- Who is usually affected?
- People with a fracture, a sports injury, or persistent joint or back pain, from birth to old age.
- Acute or chronic?
- Assessment, then non-surgical options first, then surgery if needed, and rehabilitation.
- Main symptoms
- Joint or back pain, swelling, stiffness, a fracture or sprain (depending on the condition).
- Red flags?
- Yes: a severe injury, a visible deformity or inability to bear weight is a condition needing emergency assessment.
- Preventable?
- Depends on the condition; this page does not cover specific prevention advice.
What is it?
"Dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles" (AAOS). According to FREIDA: "the study of diseases, disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system and their prevention and treatment by medical, surgical and physical means". MedlinePlus summarises it as "disorders of the bones and connective tissue".
Conditions it covers
According to the AAOS: sports injuries, fractures, joint replacement, back pain, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, in patients from birth to old age.
Related pages on this site: osteoarthritis (arthritis according to the AAOS), osteoporosis (a bone disorder), trauma surgery (fractures and injuries), the skeletal system, the joints and the muscles. The references of this page do not name osteoporosis; the link is based on its being a bone disorder.
Common tests and procedures
According to the AAOS non-surgical options are explored first, such as pain relievers or rehabilitation, and surgery is resorted to when conservative care is not enough. FREIDA mentions treatment by medical, surgical and physical means. This page does not cover lists of imaging tests or detailed procedures.
When to see one
According to the AAOS an orthopaedic surgeon's training is about 14 years of formal education, and those who are certified maintain their certification by examination and continuing learning.
Referral to the specialist is usually decided by the primary care provider according to the condition (MedlinePlus). This page does not cover detailed referral criteria.
When do you need urgent help?
Call emergency services now 998
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Does seeing an orthopaedic surgeon mean I will need surgery?
Not necessarily; according to the AAOS non-surgical options are explored first, such as pain relievers and rehabilitation, and surgery is performed only when conservative care is not enough.1
Questions for your doctor
- What is the cause of the pain or injury, and what is the diagnosis?
- What non-surgical options and rehabilitation are available?
- When is surgery appropriate, and what are its risks and recovery?
- What activities should I avoid, and when is the follow-up?
References
- 1AAOS. About orthopaedists. www.aaos.org/about/what-is-an-orthopaedic-surgeon/Educational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 2AMA FREIDA. Orthopaedic surgery — specialty description. freida.ama-assn.org/specialty/orthopaedic-surgeryEducational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 3MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.