An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who diagnoses and treats injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. That covers your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and spine. Not every visit ends in surgery. Many patients get rest plans, physical therapy, bracing, or injections first, and surgery only comes up when those steps stop working or the injury is severe.

Many surgeons focus on one area of the body. Common subspecialties include spine, sports medicine, hand and wrist, joint replacement, and foot and ankle. A sports medicine surgeon often repairs torn ligaments in athletes, while a joint replacement surgeon may rebuild a hip or knee.

Knowing how this specialty differs from a few related ones can save you a wrong referral. Rheumatologists manage joint disease like rheumatoid arthritis with medicine, not surgery. Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctors focus on recovery and function without operating. Podiatrists treat the foot and ankle, often with their own surgical training. An orthopedic surgeon is the one who can both diagnose a structural problem and repair it in the operating room when needed.

Most orthopedic surgeons accept major insurance plans and Medicare. Use the listings below to find one near you and see the conditions and procedures they handle most.

On this page

Featured providers
Overview
Common procedures they perform
Conditions an orthopedic surgeon treats
Common procedures
Conditions treated
Find by city
Related specialties
FAQ

Common procedures they perform

When non-surgical care is not enough, an orthopedic surgeon can repair or replace the damaged part. Some of the most common operations rebuild worn or torn joints so you can move without pain.

Knee replacement swaps a worn knee joint for an implant.
Hip replacement does the same for a painful hip.
ACL reconstruction rebuilds a torn knee ligament, often in athletes.
Rotator cuff surgery repairs torn shoulder tendons.
Meniscus repair fixes torn knee cartilage.

Not every problem needs an open operation. A PRP injection uses your own blood platelets to help some tendon and joint injuries heal. Each procedure page explains what to expect, recovery time, and typical costs, so you can ask better questions before you decide.

Conditions an orthopedic surgeon treats

Most people see an orthopedic surgeon because of pain that limits how they move. The cause can be a sudden injury or wear that builds up over years.

Common reasons for a visit include:

Osteoarthritis and hip osteoarthritis, where joint cartilage wears down
Rotator cuff tear and frozen shoulder
Meniscus tear and MCL tear in the knee
Sciatica and herniated disc in the spine
Carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow

Each condition page explains the symptoms, what causes it, and the treatment options. Reading the one closest to your symptoms will help you describe what is happening and ask whether surgery is even on the table.

Common Orthopedist Procedures

What each one involves, what it costs, and how to find a doctor near you

ACL ReconstructionWhat ACL reconstruction is, what it costs, how long recovery takes, and how to find the right knee surgeon near you.ArthroscopyA plain-language guide to keyhole joint surgery. What it is, what it costs, how recovery works, and when a surgeon really recommends it.Bone GraftsA plain answer to what a bone graft is, when you need one, what it costs in real dollars, and how to find a surgeon who does them.BunionectomyClear answers on bunion surgery: what it fixes, the types, real recovery times, what it costs, and how to find a foot surgeon near you.Carpal Tunnel ReleaseWhat carpal tunnel release surgery is, when you actually need it, what it costs, and how long recovery takes.Chest Wall SurgeryThis page explains what chest wall surgery treats, how surgeons do it, what recovery looks like, and what it actually costs in US dollars.Hand SurgeryWhat hand surgery treats, how the operation works, what recovery looks like, and what you will pay with or without insurance.Hip ReplacementWhat a hip replacement does, when you actually need one, what it costs with insurance or cash, and how to find a surgeon near you.Joint AspirationWhat a joint tap is, how it feels, what it costs, and how to find the right doctor for it.Joint InjectionWhat a joint injection is, what it costs, how it feels, how long relief lasts, and when it is the right call for your knee, hip, shoulder, or other joint.Joint ReplacementWhat joint replacement is, when you actually need it, what it costs with and without insurance, and how to find a surgeon who does many of them.Knee ReplacementThis page explains what a knee replacement is, what it costs, how long recovery takes, and how to know when you actually need one.LaminectomyWhat a laminectomy is, when it makes sense, what it costs, and how to find a surgeon you trust. Plain answers, real dollar ranges, no sales pitch.MeniscectomyThis page explains what a meniscectomy is, when you need one, what it costs in real dollars, and how long recovery takes.Meniscus RepairWhat meniscus repair is, whether a tear can heal on its own, what it costs, and how long recovery really takes.MicrodiscectomyWhat microdiscectomy is, what it costs, how long recovery takes, and the warning signs that mean you should not wait.PRP InjectionA plain answer to what a PRP injection is, what it costs, what it can treat, and when it is worth trying for joint and tendon pain.Rotator Cuff RepairWhat rotator cuff repair surgery involves, how long recovery takes, what can go wrong, and what you will actually pay.Rotator Cuff SurgeryWhat rotator cuff surgery actually fixes, what it costs, how long recovery takes, and how to tell if you need it yet.Spinal FusionWhat spinal fusion is, who actually needs it, what it costs in real dollars, and how to find a qualified spine surgeon near you.TMJ SurgeryTMJ surgery treats jaw joint pain and locking when other care has failed. This page explains the types, what happens, recovery, real costs, and when surgery is truly needed.Tommy John SurgeryWhat Tommy John surgery fixes, what it costs in real dollars, and how long it takes to throw again. Plain answers, no clinic sales pitch.Trigger Finger ReleaseWhat trigger finger surgery costs, how it works, the anesthesia, recovery time, and how to find a hand surgeon near you.VertebroplastyA plain-language guide to vertebroplasty: what it fixes, how the bone cement injection works, what it costs, and when a spine fracture actually needs it.

Orthopedist Treatments & Therapies

Ongoing treatments and therapies, what they involve, and how to find a provider

Chiropractic Back Pain TreatmentWhat chiropractic care for back pain actually does, how many visits you need, what it costs, and when it helps versus when you should see a doctor first.Chiropractic for SciaticaWhat chiropractic care for sciatica really involves, what it costs per visit and per course, what the research shows about results, and when you should see a medical doctor instead.Chiropractic Neck Pain TreatmentWhat chiropractic care for a stiff or aching neck really involves, what it costs per visit and per course, how well it works, and when an adjustment is not safe.Disc Herniation ChiropracticWhether chiropractic care can help a herniated disc, what a typical course of visits looks like, what it costs, and the warning signs that mean you need a doctor instead.Foot OrthoticsWhat foot orthotics are, who they help, how a custom pair is made, and what they really cost.Spinal Decompression TherapyA plain-language guide to nonsurgical spinal decompression: what it is, what a full course costs, how well it works, and when it is worth trying.

Orthopedist Tests & Diagnostics

Diagnostic tests and screenings, what they check, and how to prepare

Gait AnalysisHow a clinic studies the way you walk and run, what the test can find, and what you can expect to pay.Scoliosis ScreeningThis page explains what a scoliosis screening looks for, how the exam works, what the results mean, and what you pay if you need follow-up imaging.

Conditions Orthopedist Treat

Common concerns these providers help with. Tap one to learn about symptoms, treatment, and specialists.

Achilles Tendon Injury Ankle Arthritis Ankle Injuries and Disorders Ankle Sprain Ankylosing Spondylitis Arch Pain Arm Injuries and Disorders Arthritis Arthroscopy Back Injuries Back Pain Biceps Tendon Rupture Bone Cancer Bone Diseases Bone Grafts Bone Infections

Find Orthopedist by City

Browse orthopedist in top cities across the United States

NEW YORK, NY565 HOUSTON, TX381 CHICAGO, IL377 BOSTON, MA337 LOS ANGELES, CA324 CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA314 SAINT LOUIS, MO272 ATLANTA, GA266 PHILADELPHIA, PA263 BALTIMORE, MD236 SAN DIEGO, CA225 PHOENIX, AZ225

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about orthopedist

Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon?

It depends on your insurance plan. Many plans, especially HMOs, want a referral from your primary care doctor first. Others let you book directly, so check with your plan before you schedule.

What is the difference between an orthopedist and an orthopedic surgeon?

They are usually the same doctor. Orthopedist is the broad term for a musculoskeletal specialist, and most orthopedists are trained surgeons. Some focus mainly on non-surgical care, but they have the training to operate when it is needed.

Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon mean I need surgery?

No. These doctors treat many problems without operating, using physical therapy, bracing, medication, or injections. Surgery is usually a last step when other treatments do not relieve your pain or the damage is severe.

When is surgery actually needed?

Surgeons typically bring it up when pain and loss of function persist despite weeks or months of non-surgical care, or when an injury like a major fracture or full ligament tear will not heal on its own. Your surgeon weighs your symptoms, imaging, and goals before recommending it.

Should I see an orthopedic surgeon or a rheumatologist?

See a rheumatologist for joint disease driven by inflammation or the immune system, like rheumatoid arthritis, which is managed with medicine. See an orthopedic surgeon for structural problems such as torn ligaments, worn joints, or fractures that may need repair.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards

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