We think of our bones as the toughest parts of our bodies. But, when they do break, you can only run to one type of specialist, the orthopedist. Orthopedics is a specialized branch of surgery that deals with the musculoskeletal system. Besides the usual subject of bones, orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons are the authority for problems in the muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. Orthopedics can work together with neurologists (neurosurgeons) for problems with the spinal cord, brain and nerves, which are protected by bones, or are the innervating agents of muscles. Plus, orthopedics is closely related with sports medicine, physiotherapy and kinesiology.
Originally, orthopedists or bone doctors were so-named from the study of developmental bone diseases in children. Nevertheless, bone doctors also treat adults. In fact, they are the foremost surgical practitioners for victims of vehicular and sports-related accidents, which typically involve muscle, bone and supporting structures. Nonetheless, a bone doctor in Panama City FL is also sought after for everyday diseases like bone and muscle pains, sprains, tendonitis, and arthritis, and chronic diseases like muscle wasting, sarcopenia, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Orthopedic diseases involve childhood and development diseases like rickets, bow legs, slouching, kyphosis (hunchback), scoliosis (S-curves of the vertebra), and lordosis (swayback). There are also other serious diseases involving the spine like torticollis, which is a severe form of stiff neck, and herniated discs (slipped disc). Joint pain sufferers may be surprised to know there are different kinds of arthritis: osteoarthritis (degenerative wearing out of joints), rheumatic arthritis (auto-immune disease), and gouty arthritis (due to uric acid crystals). Emergency and trauma victims may suffer from compartment syndrome, fractures, dislocation, and torn ligaments, tendons and muscles. In addition, victims of extensive blunt trauma may be at risk of rhabdomyolysis, which occurs when massive muscle damage releases byproducts that impair kidney function. Painful diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulders and tennis elbows are also treated by bone doctors.
What does one expect from an orthopedist appointment? By the nature of musculoskeletal structures, most are readily accessible from outside the body. However, joints may be viewed through an arthroscope, which is a minimally-invasive tiny probe carrying a camera. Other imaging procedures are x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. Most of other procedures are non-invasive, involving percussion and palpation using tools and the doctor’s hands. Routine tests like blood chemistry and blood analysis may also be done.
A bone doctor in Panama City FL may perform different types of procedures, from conservative to radical. Orthopedic surgeons are the authority in arthroplasty (repair of joints), tendon reconstruction and hip replacements. In case of fractures, bone doctors apply wires, screws, pins, fixators (metal devices to align bones), traction and casts. They have external tools like braces, stabilizers, crutches and canes. Commonly, blunt head injuries like skull fractures are managed in collaboration with neurosurgeons. In cases of accidents and other limb-threatening diseases, orthopedists can perform emergency amputation of limbs. Doing so, they know of persons or personally produce prosthetic limbs.
Bone Doctor Panama City FL – Bone, muscle, joint, tendon, and ligament problems should be treated by an expert bone doctor in Panama City FL, so you can return to optimal function much sooner. For more information, visit Panhandle Orthopaedics online.
