What is Orthopedics?

What is orthopedics? Orthopedics is a field of medicine that, to the layperson, can seem complex and difficult to define. Many people think an orthopedist is a doctor who only specializes in the treatment of torn ligaments or broken bones. While technically correct, the practice of orthopedics encompasses the full spectrum of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes bones and muscles along with parts that work in conjunction with them like ligaments, joints, nerves, tendons, and skin. At Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we treat the complete range of orthopedic conditions.

In today’s post, we will answer the question, "What is orthopedics?" We’ll also explain what orthopedic specialists do and the types of conditions we treat.

The orthopedist has a few different roles when it comes to treating musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedists accurately diagnose conditions and prescribe treatment plans.

Often, patients come to see our physicians with an ache, pain, or injury. Because of the complexity of the musculoskeletal system, they may not understand exactly what has happened to them. Orthopedists are experts in this field. By running diagnostic tests and examining the patient, they can make a diagnosis and suggest an effective treatment solution.

Orthopedists recommend treatments and services that include non-surgical and surgical options. In the Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine clinic, our physicians can fit patients with braces, casts, and other mobility devices. They can also give multiple types of injections and prescribe medication and physical or occupational therapy. In addition to these services, our physicians can perform minor in-clinic procedures as well as outpatient procedures like arthroscopic surgeries and joint replacement surgeries. Our sports medicine specialists also recommend preventative wellness and training plans for individuals, professional athletes and local sports teams.

Selecting the right orthopedic physician is vital to successful recovery, and here at Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we have a team of physicians, therapists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to meet the most challenging orthopedic needs.

There are many types of conditions our orthopedists would treat. Because conditions and treatments may require multiple specialties, we are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive, cohesive treatment plans and care for our patients. 

Some of the most common conditions include:

Because conditions and treatments may require multiple subspecialties, we are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive cohesive treatments for our patients.

Treatments at Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine include non-surgical as well as the most up-to-date minimally invasive and surgical options. 

Our specialists expertise include:

Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has two locations, Metairie and Boutte. There are currently nine physicians in the practice, each with his own area of specialization.

Our Specialists:

The physicians at Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have years of experience in minimally invasive treatments of orthopedic and sports medicine conditions. They are committed to finding the right treatment for each patient and ensuring his or her return to a healthy, active lifestyle. The two clinic locations enable them to treat patients in a broader geographical area, making it more convenient for patients to come in for care. With an expert understanding of the musculoskeletal system, our expert doctors have successfully treated patients for decades. Our focus on sports medicine has resulted in professional, scholastic and recreational athletes returning to action quickly with excellent results.

Now that we've answer the question, "what is orthopedics," we hope you will feel comfortable contacting us if you have an injury or a musculoskeletal condition. Our physicians can quickly and accurately diagnosis you and get you the appropriate treatment for your condition. If you’re in discomfort or pain, don’t wait another day--there are a wide variety of non-surgical and surgical treatment options the orthopedists at Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine can offer you today.