When you’re dealing with bone, joint, or muscle problems, you may come across two terms: orthopedic surgeon and orthopedist. While they sound similar, people often wonder if there’s a difference between the two. Let’s clear the confusion and understand what each specialist does.
An orthopedist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system. This includes:
Bones
Joints
Muscles
Ligaments
Tendons
Orthopedists mainly provide non-surgical treatments, such as:
Medications
Physical therapy
Lifestyle modifications
Injections for pain relief
An orthopedic surgeon is also an orthopedist, but with specialized training in surgical procedures. They not only diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems but also perform surgeries when needed.
Common surgeries include:
Joint replacement (knee, hip, shoulder)
Fracture repair
Arthroscopy (minimally invasive joint surgery)
Spine surgeries
Sports injury reconstruction
| Feature | Orthopedist | Orthopedic Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Diagnoses & treats musculoskeletal problems | Diagnoses, treats & performs surgery |
| Treatment | Mostly non-surgical | Surgical + non-surgical |
| Training | Medical doctor with orthopedic specialty | Orthopedist with additional surgical training |
| When to Consult | Mild joint pain, back pain, arthritis, strains, sprains | Severe arthritis, fractures, joint replacements, spine surgeries |
See an Orthopedist if:
You have mild to moderate joint pain.
Non-surgical treatment (like medicines or physiotherapy) may be enough.
See an Orthopedic Surgeon if:
Your condition requires surgery.
You’ve tried conservative treatment without improvement.
You need advanced procedures like joint replacement.
Both orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons are trained to treat musculoskeletal problems. The main difference is that orthopedic surgeons are qualified to perform surgeries, while orthopedists often focus on non-surgical management.
If you’re unsure, start with an orthopedist, and they’ll guide you on whether surgery is required.
Looking for expert orthopedic care? Consult an Orthopedic Specialist at Aartas
