An orthopedic surgeon is a surgeon who has been educated and trained in the diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

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Orthopedic surgeons treat a number of conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. These conditions include the following:

• Arthritis

• Dislocations

• Fractures, sprains, and strains

• Muscle, ligament, and tendon damage

• Osteoporosis

• Spine disorders (e.g., sciatica, scoliosis, ruptured disc)