Orthopaedic doctors are doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints, and other connective tissues). Orthopaedic care involves both surgical and non-surgical approaches, with treatments ranging from joint replacements and fracture repairs to physical therapy and pain management. People frequently seek the expertise of an orthopaedic doctor following injuries or in the presence of chronic conditions like arthritis or lower back pain. They can perform operations to re-set bones and repair soft tissue or use non-invasive methods to improve range of motion and decrease pain for patients.

Most orthopaedic surgeons specialise in specific area, such as

• Foot and ankle
• Hand and wrist
• Hip replacement and reconstruction
• Knee replacement and reconstruction
• Orthopaedic oncology (bone tumours)
• Orthopaedic trauma
• Paediatric orthopaedic surgery
• Shoulder and elbow
• Spine
• Sports medicine

Some orthopaedic surgeons may have expertise in multiple areas, and various specialists may treat similar conditions. For example, surgeons specializing in sports medicine, shoulder and elbow, and hand and wrist may all perform procedures on the elbow.