Orthopedic Frequently Asked Questions

Before a treatment or rehabilitation protocol such as surgery can be established, your Palm Beach Health Network Physician Groups orthopedist must first determine the reason for, and source of, your condition. This typically involves a comprehensive physical examination and a detailed medical history profile, in addition to a complete history and description of the symptoms related to your condition. During this initial gathering of information, be sure to notify your doctor of any other illnesses, injuries, or complaints that have been associated with the pain or condition, as well as any previous treatments or medications prescribed. Preliminary diagnostic tests may then follow, including blood tests and/or X-rays. In some cases, patients require further evaluation and may undergo a CT (computed tomography) scan, a bone scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Once the evaluative information is collected and reviewed, your Tenet orthopedist will discuss the treatment options with you in order to help you select the best treatment plan that promotes an active and functional life.

Usually, orthopedic surgery patients are referred by a general or family physician.

Your Palm Beach Health Network Physician Groups doctor will explain about your particular procedure. You can also learn about various procedures here.

If you would like to make an appointment to speak with a Tenet doctor about a particular orthopedic procedure, call 1.866.654.2362

Recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery and on the individual patient. Some surgeries, such as arthroscopic and joint replacement surgeries, are done on an outpatient basis, and patients are allowed to go home within hours after the surgery. Recovery for more complex surgeries depends on the exact type of procedure performed but generally patients may return home within a few days.

Orthopedic surgery is usually covered by insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. If you and your Palm Beach Health Network Physician Groups doctor believe orthopedic surgery is a good choice for you, the Tenet team will give you an estimate of what your out of pocket expenses may be.

Any surgery has risk of complications. Some risks are specific to certain operations or injuries and others are present for most orthopedic operations. Some risks may include:

• Failure of the surgery
• Infection
• Joint stiffness
• Blood clots
• Injury to nerves or blood vessels

These risks are rare. Your Palm Beach Health Network Physician Groups doctor will discuss with you any risks of your particular procedure.

At Palm Beach Health Network Physician Groups, our orthopedic surgeons treat a broad range of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Back pain, ruptured discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis
• Joint pain
• Congenital deformities
• Sports injuries
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Bone cancer
• Fractures and dislocations
• Foot problems

Orthopedics is the medical specialty that focuses on injuries and diseases of your body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. An orthopedic surgeon, sometimes called an orthopedist, is a medical doctor with extensive training in the proper diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons have completed up to 14 years of formal education, including five years of study in orthopedic residency at a major medical center and one optional year of specialized education.