Many people think of orthopaedics as the treatment of bones, but it's far more than that. An orthopaedist is an expert in the human skeletal system, but also treats associated muscles, nerves, cartilage and other soft tissue organs. The goal is to relieve pain and improve movement.

Depending on the problem, the key focus may be on diagnosis, treatment, or a variety of therapies that aid rehabilitation from an injury, disease or surgery. Given a person's physical activities or the hereditary aspects of some orthopaedic problems, the doctor's focus may be prevention. That may range from advice on shoes or special exercise to regular screenings and check-ups.

Orthopaedists may work with other health specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists, endocrinologists, oncologists, neurologists and other surgeons.

There are many types of treatment for orthopaedic problems, so it's important an accurate diagnosis is made and most appropriate treatment chosen.

Orthopaedic Treatment Options

Orthopaedic treatments can range from general medications to decrease pain and inflammation to surgery to repair or replace bones and joints.

Depending on the situation, an orthopedist begin with an interview and complete medical examination, including blood tests, to determine all the factors that may be involved. The doctor will often ask you to extend your arms or legs or stand in certain positions to determine your range of motion, position of your bones and level of discomfort.

Other information may be gained by X-rays, CT-scans, MRI imaging and ultrasound imaging to look for abnormalities in bones or joints, deterioration in bone or presence of tumors. In some cases dye will be injected into a joint and scanned to determine conditions. Doctors may use electrodiagnostic testing to determine if there is nerve damage.

Treatments may include injections to ease inflammation or pain, physical therapy and exercise to strengthen muscles and ease movement or heat treatments to ease mobility. Surgery isn't always the answer, but when it is, it may be arthroscopic using fiber optics via a small incision. Major surgery may involve bone grafts, joint repair, total joint replacement or fusing of specific bones. In all cases, the treatment should improve comfort and movement.

You can find more information about services offered at our facilities by selecting from our hospitals list:

Academic Medical Centers:

• Shands at the University of Florida
• Shands Children's Hospital
• Shands Jacksonville

Community Hospitals and Clinics

• UF Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute
• Shands AGH
• Shands Starke
• Shands Lake Shore
• Shands Rehab Hospital