Orthopaedics is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

You should consider seeing an orthopaedic specialist if you experience persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or have suffered a musculoskeletal injury that affects your daily activities or quality of life.

Orthopaedic specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, fractures, sprains, strains, tendon injuries (like tennis elbow), torn ligaments (such as ACL tears), back and neck pain, and congenital deformities.

Common orthopaedic surgeries include joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder), arthroscopic surgery (for knee, shoulder, wrist), spine surgery (such as laminectomy or spinal fusion), fracture fixation, and soft tissue repair (tendon or ligament).

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and individual factors. It can range from weeks to months. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are often recommended to aid recovery and regain strength and mobility.

Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active with exercises that strengthen muscles and support joints, using proper techniques during sports or physical activities, and wearing appropriate protective gear are essential for injury prevention.

Non-surgical treatments include medications (pain relievers, anti-inflammatories), physical therapy, injections (corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid), orthotics (braces, splints), and lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, ergonomic adjustments).

During a consultation, the orthopaedic specialist will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, possibly order imaging tests (X-rays, MRI), discuss your symptoms, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your condition.

No, orthopaedic surgery is not always necessary. Many musculoskeletal problems can be effectively treated with non-surgical approaches. Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms or when the condition requires surgical intervention for optimal recovery.

Risks vary depending on the type of surgery but may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, anaesthesia risks, nerve or blood vessel injury, and potential complications specific to the procedure. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss these risks with you before surgery.