Orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled specialists who are qualified to diagnose and treat an array of ailments, including spinal disorders, fractures, trauma, and arthritis. The 25,000 orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. are highly in demand.
For a doctor to become an orthopedic surgeon, they must go through extensive training. After completing a four-year pre-med undergraduate program, prospective surgeons need to pass the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), and then they must complete four years of rigorous education in medical school.
The fundamentals of orthopedics are then practiced during a four- or five-year focused residency program, followed by a one-year fellowship. It’s very important when searching for a reputable orthopedic surgeon to select one who has been board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Continuing education ensures that these doctors stay up-to-date on current trends and techniques in the field.
The orthopedic specialty was once focused exclusively on the care of children with spine and limb deformities, but it has since expanded to include the surgical treatment of a full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions in people of all ages. This is largely due to people living longer and more people who are engaging in sports-related activities and high-impact exercise.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
Every year in the United States there are more than three million hospitalizations, almost $245 billion spent in medical costs, and 488 million days of work activity that are limited or lost due to musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions include back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, and arthritis, and they often require some type of orthopedic surgery – even if it is minimally invasive surgery.
The human anatomy is composed of a complex framework of hard-working (but not invincible) bones, ligaments, muscles, joints, nerves, and tendons, so there will naturally be problems with these issues, especially as we age or when we put extra or recurring pressure on a certain area. According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, musculoskeletal ailments comprise more than 14 percent of total health care costs.
What Can an Orthopedic Surgeon Treat?
The rigorous training orthopedic surgeons must go through prepares these physicians to not only diagnose and treat your injury or disorder, but also help you through rehabilitation – and even help prevent future injuries from occurring. Many physicians in this field choose to focus on a specific subspecialty within orthopedics, such as pediatrics or sports medicine.
Arthritis
Arthritis of the hand and wrist can be a major source of pain that occurs when cartilage in the joints deteriorates. Dr. Michele Yoon can treat your arthritis pain through hand surgery or PRP/stem cell therapy.
Fractures
One of the most common injuries in the hand is a fracture (also called a broken bone). The hand is made up of metacarpals and phalanges. Fractures can be nondisplaced or displaced (shifted).
Orthopedic Surgeon in the Chicago North-West Suburbs
These are just a handful of the many procedures that can be performed by Dr. Yoon, the best orthopedic surgeon in the Chicago North-West Suburbs. One thing that all orthopedic doctors seek to do is improve your overall quality of life – which usually involves a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment, involving input from your other doctors who are treating you for other conditions.
Don’t miss out on doing what you love. Dr. Michele Yoon can help you get back in the game and get your life back to normal again. For more information, call (847) 957-4183 or fill out our online appointment request form today. We look forward to serving you.
