If you are suffering from one of several disorders affecting your bones, you might want to consider seeking the help of an orthopedic surgeon. After talking to your doctor, they may decide that visiting one vs. the other is the better option. Depending on the type of medical issue, the surgeon may be a generalist or a specialist.
Types of Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons may specialize in a specific sub-category. This means they only accept patients who fall into their area of expertise. While they still look at the various problems relating to the field of orthopedics, they narrow down the focus to specific sectors of the body. A specialist may, for example, only perform orthopedic surgery on patients with afflictions to the knee and hip. Alternatively, they may concentrate efforts on the foot, the ankle, the hand, or the spine.
Those surgeons who decide to be generalists handle a wide variety of medical categories. They look at all injuries and trauma that affect the bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons of an individual. Consulting with a generalist may result in your seeing a specialist if it indicates a better chance to achieve a positive outcome.
Making the Choice
Restoring mobility and reducing or removing all pain significantly improves the quality of life. Orthopedic Surgeons in Washington, PA, whether generalists or specialists are there to help you achieve this goal. Your decision should be based on several factors, including the injury’s extent and the type of surgery required. While both types of orthopedic surgeons are devoted to helping their patients retain an increased quality of life, sometimes, the generalist can determine what expertise is more effective and in your best interest.