Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information
Orthopaedic Surgery
Nature of the work
An orthopaedic surgeon is educated in the preservation, investigation,
and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine, and
associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. This
specialist is involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal
problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors,
metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries
and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder,
and elbow in children and adults. An orthopaedic surgeon is also concerned
with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of the central
or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopaedic surgeons can receive training in the following
subspecialties:
- Orthopaedic Sports Medicine - provide appropriate care for
all structures of the musculoskeletal system directly affected by
participation in sporting activity.
- Surgery of the Hand - provides surgical and rehabilitative
care for all structures of the upper extremity directly affecting the
form and function of the hand and wrist.
Training/residency information
Residency in orthopaedic surgery consists of one year of general surgery
training followed by four years of orthopaedic surgery training.
Salary information
The annual salary for orthopaedic surgeons ranges from $372,400 to
$512,500.
For more information
Career in Orthopaedics - Careers in Medicine
