The musculoskeletal system provides support, posture and stability, allows movement, protects vital organs and circulates blood. With 206 bones and roughly 650 muscles, dysfunction or injury to the system is a common occurrence. While many of these issues can be treated with ice, over-the-counter pain medications or physical therapy, some require the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon to correct.

Orthapedic surgeon isn’t usually used to deal with life-threatening issues, but rather to restore mobility and end pain. That’s why this medical specialization requires such extensive training and practice.

Decoding the Role of an Orthapedic Surgeon: What You Should Know

Before surgery, an orthopedist will meet with you and listen to your symptoms. They will then perform tests, like X-rays, to understand more about your condition and its causes. They’ll then discuss your options, including surgery, and you can decide together what treatment is right for you.

During surgery, an orthopedist will use a camera called an arthroscope to see inside your joint. They may also use instruments to remove damaged tissue or replace it with healthy tissue from another part of your body or a graft from a donor. They’ll then stitch up the openings they made in your skin and wrap your surgical site with a bandage.

Just as with all physicians, an orthopedist is required to stay current on the latest advances in their field. One such advance is visualization, which helps surgeons better plan their surgeries and avoid complications during procedures.