American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery 400 Silver Cedar Court Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Tel: (919) 929-7103 www.abos.org

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 central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system.

Education Required: A minimum of five years (including surgery training) plus two years in clinical practice before final certification is achieved.

Subspecialties for Orthopaedic Surgery

Certification in one of the following subspecialties requires additional education and examination.

• Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
  An Orthopaedic Surgeon educated in Sports Medicine provides appropriate care for all structures of the musculoskeletal system directly affected by participation in sporting activity. This specialist is proficient in areas including conditioning, training and fitness, athletic performance and the impact of dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition on performance and health, coordination of care within the team setting utilizing other healthcare professionals, field evaluation and management, soft tissue biomechanics and injury healing and repair. Knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques of rehabilitation, athletic equipment and orthotic devices enables the specialist to prevent and manage athletic injuries.
  
  
• Surgery of the Hand
  An Orthopaedic Surgeon educated in the investigation, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical and rehabilitative means of all structures of the upper extremity directly affecting the form and function of the hand and wrist.
  
  

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