Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Orthopaedic Surgery

Nature of the work

An orthopaedic surgeon is educated in the preservation, investigation, and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine, and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. This specialist is involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow in children and adults. An orthopaedic surgeon is also concerned with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of the central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system.¹

Orthopaedic surgeons can receive training in the following subspecialties:

• Orthopaedic Sports Medicine - provide appropriate care for all structures of the musculoskeletal system directly affected by participation in sporting activity.
• Surgery of the Hand - provides surgical and rehabilitative care for all structures of the upper extremity directly affecting the form and function of the hand and wrist.

Training/residency information

Residency in orthopaedic surgery consists of one year of general surgery training followed by four years of orthopaedic surgery training.

Salary information

The annual salary for orthopaedic surgeons ranges from $372,400 to $512,500.²

For more information

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• American Orthopaedic Association
• American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

References
1 The American Board of Medical Specialties. Guide to Physician Specialties. Evanston, IL: American Board of Medical Specialties; February 2008.
2 2008 Physician Compensation Survey [special feature]. Modern Healthcare. July 14, 2008: 28-32.

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