ortopedista

An ortopedista, or orthopedic surgeon, is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. They treat a wide range of conditions, from congenital deformities in children to degenerative diseases in adults, fractures from injuries, and sports-related injuries. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or ambulatory surgical centers and often collaborate with physical therapists, radiologists, rheumatologists, and primary care physicians to coordinate care.

Education and training for an ortopedista typically begin with a medical degree, followed by a residency in orthopedics or orthopedic surgery that lasts multiple years. Many practitioners pursue subspecialty fellowships in areas such as spine, pediatric orthopedics, hand surgery, foot and ankle, trauma, or sports medicine. Certification requirements vary by country, but board certification or equivalent licensure is common for practice.

Practice and procedures encompass both non-surgical and surgical care. Non-surgical management may include physical therapy, medications, injections, immobilization with casts or braces, and activity modification. Surgical interventions can involve fracture fixation, arthroscopy, joint replacement (arthroplasty), spinal fusion, deformity correction, and soft-tissue reconstruction. Diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, CT, and MRI informs treatment planning.

Subspecialties within orthopedics include pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, hand and upper-extremity surgery, foot and ankle surgery, trauma, and sports medicine. Ortopedistas work to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life across diverse patient populations, from infants to older adults. In English-speaking contexts, the corresponding terms are orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon.