Orthopedic Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Orthopedic Surgery?
An orthopedic surgeon performs orthopedic surgery. This is a doctor who treats problems of the bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. The surgeon leads a care team. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Orthopedic surgeons perform many types of surgery. They also treat many musculoskeletal conditions without surgery. Common operations include the following.
- Arthroscopy uses special cameras and tools put in through small cuts to see and treat problems inside a joint.
- Joint replacement removes a damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial joint called a prosthesis.
- Internal fixation holds the broken pieces of a bone in place with metal plates, pins, or screws while the bone heals.
- Osteotomy fixes a bone deformity by cutting and moving the bone.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Nonsurgical treatments often help enough to delay the need for surgery. These include medicines, injections, and exercise and physical therapy. For most orthopedic diseases and injuries, there is more than one form of treatment. A surgeon may recommend surgery if you do not respond to nonsurgical treatments.
How to prepare
- Bring a list of all the medicines, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and vitamins you take, and a list of your drug and food allergies.
- Be ready to talk about long-term conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease. Also be ready to talk about any past problems with anesthesia.
- Understand the goals of the surgery, how it will be done, the possible risks, and the plan for recovery.
- Bring a friend or family member as your healthcare advocate.
What happens during it
Your doctor will review a consent form that outlines the planned surgery. You will be asked to sign it. Your doctor will confirm the surgical site with you and mark the correct area on your skin with a marker.
Recovery
Before you leave the hospital, find out when to see the doctor again. Also find out when to change your bandages, when bathing is permitted, and when you can drive. Find out as well about raising an operated arm or leg and about putting weight on a leg after surgery. Ask what to expect in recovery. This includes splints or braces, activity limits, time away from work, and time to full healing. Surgery and medicines after it can make even a strong person feel weak and unsteady. Do not be embarrassed to ask for help.
Risks and side effects
One major risk of surgery is deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein. A pulmonary embolism is a clot that breaks free and travels through the veins to the lungs. It is a dangerous condition. Your doctor will outline a program to help prevent blood clots. It may include raising your legs, lower leg exercises, support stockings, and medicine to thin your blood. Warning signs of a blood clot include pain in your calf and leg that is not from your cut, tenderness or redness near or below your knee, and swelling of your thigh, calf, ankle, or foot. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. Ask your surgeon about the most common complications their patients have after your type of surgery. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more, or fainting.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs this surgery. The team can include other doctors, nurses, and physical therapists.
Common questions
Do orthopedic problems always need surgery?
No, orthopedic surgeons treat many musculoskeletal conditions without surgery.
What happens at a first visit with an orthopedic surgeon?
The surgeon does a thorough evaluation. It starts with a history of your illness or injury and a physical exam. This may be followed by blood tests or tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans. Your doctor will then talk about your diagnosis and either help you choose a treatment plan or refer you to another specialist.
Which joints can be replaced with an artificial joint?
Joint replacement is now an option for the foot, ankle, fingers, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, as well as the hip and knee.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Your Visit With an Orthopaedic Surgeon
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Patient Guide to Safe Orthopaedic Surgery
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Preventing Blood Clots After Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
