Orthopaedics in Bangalore

Who is an Orthopedic?

An orthopedic doctor, often referred to as an orthopedic surgeon or orthopedist, is a medical doctor who undergoes specialized training beyond medical school to become a specialist in the musculoskeletal system. This system encompasses bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, all of which play critical roles in facilitating movement and stability within the body.

What does an orthopedic doctor do?

Orthopedic doctors, known as orthopedists, specialize in evaluating and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Their responsibilities encompass:

• Diagnosis: Orthopedists employ diagnostic tools such as X-rays, MRIs, blood tests, and thorough physical examinations to identify musculoskeletal disorders. These may include fractures, ligament tears, bone infections, and tumors.

• Treatment: Orthopedists offer a comprehensive spectrum of treatments. They may prescribe medications, recommend physiotherapy, or provide orthotic devices like braces depending on the condition. In cases requiring surgical intervention, orthopedists perform complex procedures such as knee or hip replacements, spinal fusions, or fracture fixation.

• Long-term Management: For patients with chronic musculoskeletal issues like arthritis, orthopedists offer ongoing care. Their expertise is vital in managing these conditions to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and improve the patient's overall quality of life.

Orthopedic doctors play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and managing musculoskeletal disorders, ultimately restoring patients' physical well-being and functionality.

How to become an orthopedic surgeon?

The journey involves -

• Begin by completing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, which typically takes around 5.5 years.

• After obtaining your MBBS degree, you'll need to enroll in a 3-year (MD) Master's residency program in Orthopedics.

• If you wish to specialize further, you can pursue an additional 1-2 years of focused education in a specific orthopedic subspecialty, such as spine surgery, sports medicine, or joint replacement.

When to see an orthopedic doctor in Bangalore?

You should seek an appointment with an orthopedic doctor in Bangalore under the following circumstances:

• Persistent Joint Pain: If you experience ongoing joint pain that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter remedies.

• Swelling: When there is significant swelling in a joint or surrounding area.

• Numbness/Tingling: If you have numbness or tingling sensations in your limbs, especially if it's persistent.

• Trauma/Injury: In case of a traumatic injury that limits the mobility of a limb or joint, such as fractures or dislocations.

• Back Pain: When back pain significantly hampers your daily activities or if you experience chronic back pain.

• Functional Limitations: If you have any symptoms that restrict your normal muscle, bone, or joint functioning, affecting your quality of life.

• Age/Activity-Related Concerns: Periodic orthopedic evaluations are advisable to monitor and address wear and tear issues before they worsen, especially as you age or if you engage in physically demanding activities.

Do orthopedics in Bangalore provide online consultations?

Yes, patients in Bangalore can conveniently access orthopedic consultations online via digital healthcare platforms like AyuHealth. Video consultations with experienced orthopedists provide the same personalized care, initial diagnosis, and treatment suggestions without in-person visits - beneficial currently. These facilitate managing common musculoskeletal conditions.

How does an Orthopedic examine you?

Orthopedic examinations are thorough and involve various steps to assess musculoskeletal health. Here's how an orthopedic doctor examines you:

• Range of Motion Assessment: They evaluate how well your joints and limbs can move, looking for limitations or abnormalities.

• Palpation for Tenderness/Swelling: Orthopedists use touch to identify areas of tenderness or swelling in and around the affected joints or muscles.

• Strength and Reflex Testing: They test your muscle strength and reflexes, providing insights into nerve function and muscle health.

• Posture and Alignment Examination: Your posture and the alignment of your spine and limbs are examined to detect irregularities or deformities.

• Medical History and Symptom Review: Discussing your medical history and symptoms helps understand your condition's context.

• Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, orthopedists may recommend diagnostic tests like X-rays and MRI scans to get detailed images of bones, joints, and soft tissues, aiding in diagnosis.

• Physical Examination of Affected Area: A thorough examination of the specific area where you have pain or discomfort is conducted to pinpoint the source of the issue.

What are the most common orthopedic problems?

Some most common orthopedic conditions are:

• Arthritis: Inflammation and joint stiffness, often due to wear and tear.

• Back Pain: Many issues can cause back pain, including disc problems, muscle strains, and spinal conditions.

• Torn Meniscus: Damage to the cartilage in the knee, often seen in sports injuries.

• Sprains: Stretching or tearing of ligaments, commonly in the ankles and wrists.

• Fractured Bones: Broken bones can happen from falls, accidents, or sports injuries.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the wrist's median nerve, leading to hand and wrist pain.

• Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons, often from overuse.

• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints.

• Plantar Fasciitis: Pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, often due to plantar fascia inflammation.

• Cartilage Injuries: Damage to the cartilage in joints, frequently seen in sports-related injuries.

• Knee, Shoulder, and Hip Issues: These joints are prone to various problems, including osteoarthritis and injuries.

Are Orthopedists Different from Orthopedic Surgeons?

Orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons have the same qualifications and treat musculoskeletal conditions. However, surgeons focus more on performing operations and surgical procedures. An orthopedist may refer a patient to an orthopedic surgeon if surgery is required.

How much does orthopedic surgery cost in Bangalore?

The cost of orthopedic surgeries in Bangalore varies based on the procedure, surgeon's fees, hospital charges, and length of stay.

• On average, it may range from ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹ four lakhs.

• Knee replacement costs ₹2.5-4 lakhs

• hip replacement ₹2-3.5 lakhs.

• Using insurance and reputed hospitals can lower overall costs