Orthopedic surgeons as the name indicates are surgeons and not
physicians. They are trained in carrying out surgical procedures on
bones like fixing a broken bone( Or fracture ) or carrying out joint
replacement surgeries, repairing a ligament or a cartilage tear. Your
rheumatologist may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if you need a
joint replacement surgery or repair of broken structures of joint. But
remember a rheumatologist may also help prevent many unnecessary
joint replacement surgeries and help explore non surgical treatment
options for certain conditions. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis,
ankylosing spondylitis , osteoporosis are to be treated with medicines
and not surgery , hence one should consult a rheumatologist for these
conditions and not an orthopedic surgeon.
