The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital & Sports Injury Center

An orthopedic doctor, also known as an orthopedist, is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Orthopedic medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Orthopedic doctors typically complete a four-year undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, and a five-year orthopedic surgery residency program. After completing their training, they are board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or equivalent in other countries.

Some of the main responsibilities of an orthopedic doctor include:

• Examining and diagnosing patients with musculoskeletal conditions and injuries
• Prescribing and managing treatment plans, which may include medication, physical therapy, and surgery
• Performing surgical procedures to treat musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, such as joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and fracture repairs
• Managing and monitoring patients' recovery and rehabilitation
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and primary care physicians, to provide comprehensive care for patients.

Overall, an orthopedic doctor is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. They use their expertise, knowledge and skills to help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve the quality of life for people with musculoskeletal disorders.

There are many different types of orthopedic problems, but some of the most common include:

• Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease that results in the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the joints. It most commonly affects the hips, knees, and hands.
• Low back pain: a common condition that affects the muscles and bones of the back. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, injury, and overuse.
• Tendinitis: inflammation of a tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendinitis commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, and knees.
• Fractures: breaks in the bone caused by trauma or overuse. Fractures can occur anywhere in the body but are most common in the arms, legs, and spine.
• Bursitis: inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles. Bursitis commonly affects the shoulders, hips, and knees.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: a condition in which the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. It causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist.
• Tennis elbow: is a form of tendinitis that affects the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump on the outside of the elbow.
• Rotator cuff injuries: a tear or strain of the tendons or muscles in the shoulder that are responsible for lifting and rotating the arm.

These are some of the most common orthopedic problems, but there are many other conditions that can affect the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic doctors are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopedics.

A general consultation with a doctor is an appointment where a patient meets with a physician to discuss their health concerns and receive medical advice. The purpose of a general consultation is to evaluate a patient's current health status and address any symptoms or problems they may be experiencing.

• During the consultation, the doctor will take a detailed medical history and ask the patient about their symptoms, any previous medical conditions or treatments, and any medications they are currently taking.
• They will also perform a physical examination, which may include measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
• Based on the information gathered during the consultation, the doctor will make a diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment.
• This may include prescribing medication, ordering diagnostic tests, or referring the patient to a specialist for further evaluation or treatment.
• Additionally, the doctor will also give the patient advice on how to maintain their health, prevent illness, and manage chronic conditions, as well as provide health education and answer any questions the patient might have.

Overall, a general consultation with a doctor is an opportunity for a patient to discuss their health concerns and receive medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations from a qualified healthcare professional.

During a general consultation, the doctor will typically perform the following steps:

1. Take a detailed medical history: The doctor will ask the patient about their symptoms, any previous medical conditions or treatments, and any medications they are currently taking. They will also ask about the patient's family medical history and any lifestyle factors that may be relevant to the patient's health.

2. Perform a physical examination: The doctor will examine the patient's body, looking for any signs of illness or injury. This may include measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. They may also perform a general physical examination, such as examining the ears, nose, throat, eyes, and skin.

3. Make a diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment: Based on the information gathered during the consultation, the doctor will make a diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment. This may include prescribing medication, ordering diagnostic tests, or referring the patient to a specialist for further evaluation or treatment.

4. Give health advice and answer any questions: The doctor will give the patient advice on how to maintain their health, prevent illness, and manage chronic conditions. They will also answer any questions the patient might have about their condition, treatment, and how to manage symptoms.

5. Follow-up: The doctor will schedule a follow-up visit or call

There are many different reasons why a person may need to visit a general medical consultation. Some common reasons include:

1. New symptoms or changes in health: If a person is experiencing new symptoms or changes in their health, such as a persistent cough, fever, or weight loss, they may need to see a doctor for a general consultation.
2. Chronic conditions: If a person has a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they may need to see a doctor regularly to manage their condition and monitor their health.
3. Routine check-ups: Regular check-ups are important for maintaining good health, and a general medical consultation is a good opportunity for a person to discuss any health concerns with a doctor and receive advice on maintaining their health.
4. Physical exam for work or school: Some professions or institutions may require regular physical exams, a general medical consultation is a good opportunity for a person to receive a physical exam and a medical certificate.
5. Preventive care: Preventive care includes screenings and check-ups that help to identify health problems early, when they are most treatable. A general medical consultation is a good opportunity for a person to receive preventive care and learn about ways to maintain good health.

Overall, a general medical consultation is an opportunity for a person to discuss any health concerns with a doctor,