Bone specialists, also referred to as orthopedic surgeons, have advanced knowledge and training—beyond those of a primary care doctor—to diagnose and provide treatment for the full range of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system (the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons).
With or without a musculoskeletal injury or condition, you will greatly benefit from the expertise of a bone specialist. Let’s go over the exact reasons why you might need to see one.
For Expert Care
If you have a musculoskeletal injury and chronic condition, a bone specialist typically starts with nonsurgical treatment modalities.
The following are some of the non-surgical treatment methods offered by a bone specialist:
- Medications
- Steroid injections
- Bracing or casting
- Fluid drainage
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
Nonetheless, a bone specialist may also recommend and perform surgery if they find that the symptoms are unresponsive to conservative treatment or have severely impaired your quality of life.
These are some of the procedures a bone specialist can perform:
- Carpal tunnel release surgery
- Cartilage, ligament, and tendon repairs
- Joint reconstruction
- Joint replacement (hip, knee, and shoulder replacement)
- Osteotomy
For a Quick Return to Sports
Fractures, muscle injuries, and tendon ruptures are some of the most common reasons athletes visit bone specialists, specifically those who subspecialize in sports medicine.
If you’re an athlete, you can also work with a sports medicine doctor to teach you some strategies to help you lower your risk of injuries and boost your performance.
For Bone Disease Prevention
If you have strong risk factors for osteoporosis, a bone specialist may order a DEXA scan to check your bone mineral density.
Low bone density does not always lead to osteoporosis but does cause enough problems on its own. One such problem is osteopenia, a condition in which you have lower-than-normal bone density but not so far gone to be diagnosed as osteoporosis. Osteopenia can cause pain, loss of height, and a hunched posture. When unmanaged, osteopenia can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
To slow down the progression of osteopenia and prevent the onset of osteoporosis, a bone specialist can give you lifestyle recommendations, prescribe medications, and monitor your bone density.
However, if you’ve already been diagnosed with osteoporosis. It is imperative that you work closely with a bone specialist to help you navigate your condition and achieve the best treatment outcome.
Bone Specialist in San Antonio, TX
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our highly skilled bone specialists have spent decades of their careers helping countless patients in San Antonio and neighboring areas in Texas regain their normal function and live pain-free lives.
To make an appointment with one of our bone specialists, call us at (210) 692-7400 or use our online request form. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality of orthopedic care!
