Orthopedic programs should have a specially trained interdisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons, nurses and therapists to provide a continuum of orthopedic care from diagnosis through rehabilitation.  Patients can benefit from advanced diagnostic tools, specially equipped operating rooms, presurgical informative classes and comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation services. 

Orthopedic surgeons often specialize in the following areas: 

  • Joints, including hips and knees 
  • Hand and Upper Extremity 
  • Sports Medicine 
  • General Orthopedics 

Presurgical Informative Classes 

Are you suffering from knee pain, hip pain or morning stiffness?  Some hospitals offers monthly seminars that focus on diagnosis and treatment for knee and hip pain.  Learn about the anatomy of the knee and hip, causes of joint pain, medications, physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery and total joint replacement.  Ask your local hospital if this is a service they offer. 

Total Joint Replacement 

Total joint replacement is one of the greatest orthopedic surgical advances of the century. Today, orthopedic surgeons are able to replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. 

Joint replacement is often necessary to relieve pain and disability caused by severe arthritis. Two forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis, which is a wearing away of the cartilage in a joint, and rheumatoid arthritis, where the synovium produces chemical substances that attack the joint surface and destroy the cartilage, are both conditions that may warrant joint replacement. 

The goal of an orthopedic center is to restore function and reduce pain. Each patient should receive benefit from skilled physicians and nurses as well as physical therapists and assistants. The center should also assist with physician appointments, follow-up surgical care and rehabilitation.