Orthopedic Doctors
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Orthopedic doctors, or orthopeds are doctors that deal with injuries and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system encompasses the tissue components of bones, muscles, nerves, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Orthopedic physicians might specialize in one area such as surgery, but orthopedics as a field covers surgery, chiropractic, occupational therapies, kinesiology, podiatry, and physical therapy. Osteopathy and massage are also related.
Injuries and conditions that might require the expert knowledge and application of an orthoped are:
- Arthritis
- Amputations
- Cerebral palsy
- Injuries
- Multiple schlerosis
- Spina bifida
- Stroke
Physical therapy as a sub-specialty of orthopedics involves diagnosing and treating disorders or injuries that have occurred that affect the musculoskeletal system and patient’s ability to move or perform activites. Physical therapys’ goals are to restore optimal movement and function, reduce pain, prevent further injury or degeneration. Kenesiologists is another term for a physical therapist.
Podiatrists are orthopedic specialists dealing with a specific region, the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
Chiropractors use manual manipulation of the spine, especially joints and soft tissue. In addition to manual therapies at office visits , home therapies in the form of exercises, diet, lifestyle counseling is often part of their treatment plan.
Orthopedic surgery involves invasively treating injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system by creating and opening and attempting to repair damaged tissue such as:
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Joint replacements
- Spinal problems (ruptured discs, scoliosis)
- Tumors attached to musculoskeletal components
- Bursitis
- Pulled or torn muscles
- Muscular dystrophy
- Fractures and dislocations of bone
There has been much attention in the media to failing components used in joint replacement therapies. Hip and knee replacements are especially prone to failure. No replacement is fail-safe, especially if lots of time or physically abusive activities take place on the joint. But often, not much time or activity has happened and the replacements are failing. Osteolysis or wearing away of the bone around the artificial joint replaced is one factor for failure and debris generated by wear and tear leading to more osteolysis. Debris is defined as bone fragments, crystals, and increased fluids. failing replacements happens more often in younger, more active patients.
If you believe you or a loved one suffered a worsening of a condition due to an error made by an orthopedic doctor, you may be eligible for damages. Contact the experts at the Sweeney Law Firm and let us review the fact to see if you have an orthopedic medical malpractice case. If we decide to take your case, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless there is a settlement or recovery of funds for you.