What is the difference between an Orthopedic Surgeon and a Sports Medicine Specialist?
After four years of college and four years of medical school, most doctors will do a one year internship like what you see on Greys Anatomy. In order to become an orthopedic surgeon, there is an additional four year residency in which you learn about all the different orthopedic subspecialties such as sports medicine, joint replacement, spine surgery, hand, foot/ankle, fractures, etc. After these four years you are ready to start a practice. Some surgeons however decide to do an additional one year fellowship in order to gain additional expertise in one of the subspecialties.
In addition to Orthopedic Sports Medicine specialists, there are also Family doctors that specialize in Sports Medicine. They can see and evaluate sports injuries and recommend treatment but can not perform surgery. If surgery is needed they will refer the athlete to an orthopedic surgeon.
The biggest advantage of seeing an Orthopedic Surgeon that has completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine is that he can do the evaluation, recommend the treatment and do the surgery if needed. As compared to general orthopedic surgeons, the sports specialists may be more tuned to the needs of athletes wanting to get back in their game as quickly and safely as possible. Also, when surgery is needed, an experienced sports medicine surgeon will be up to date on the latest technology.
Just last week a middle linebacker for one of the area high schools dislocated his shoulder in a game. I was able to relocate the shoulder. We saw him in the office on Monday and started therapy with his trainer. Within a few days he had a special brace that allowed him to get back to playing by the next game. This is an unusual situation and most athletes with this type of injury can't get back as quickly. That is why it is important for the doctor to individualize the treatment and not just randomly say "you;re out for three weeks".
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