What Does Orthopedics Mean?

Orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment of injuries and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. This complex system consists of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. The musculoskeletal system enables the body to move, work and be active.

What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?

Orthopedic doctors, also called orthopedic surgeons, treat musculoskeletal injuries and disorders with a full continuum of care, including diagnosis, treatment and surgery. 

Many orthopedic doctors specialize in certain areas, such as the foot and ankle, spine, shoulder, hand, hip or knee. They may also focus on specific fields like pediatrics, trauma or sports medicine.

Types of Orthopedic Conditions

Orthopedic physicians diagnose various musculoskeletal conditions ranging from congenital diseases, injuries or age-related wear and tear. The following are some of the most common conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system:

• Fracture - A break in the bone
• Nonunions - Failure of fractures to heal
• Malunions - Fractures healing in a wrong position
• Osteoporosis - A healthy bone looks like a honeycomb when viewed under a microscope. When osteoporosis occurs, the size of these holes and spaces are much larger, causing the bone to lose strength and density and grow thinner
• Congenital bone diseases - Bone conditions that are evident at or soon after birth, caused mainly by factors operating during pregnancy, delivery or early infancy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome- Occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm and into the palm becomes compressed as it passes through an opening from the wrist to the hand. This narrow and rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand is called the carpal tunnel. Pain and numbness occur when the lining of irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and compresses the median nerve
• Rheumatoid arthritis - An autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of functions in the joints. It can also affect the eyes, mouth and lungs
• Lupus - An autoimmune disease that attacks healthy tissues and affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs
• Bursitis - Inflammation of the cushioning pads around joints
• Chondromalacia patellae - The breakdown of the cartilage in the kneecap
• Gout - A painful form of arthritis that happens when uric acid builds up in the body. It occurs when the uric acid turns into needle-like crystals and deposits in the joint
• Osteoarthritis - Is the most common form of arthritis that is often related to aging and most frequently occurs in the hands, hips and knees
• Osteomyelitis - This is a bone infection caused by bacteria, fungi or other germs
• Septic arthritis - A condition that develops when bacteria or microorganisms spread through the blood to a joint
• Tendinitis - Inflammation of the tendon
• Strains or sprains - An injury to the ligaments around a joint due to overstretching

What Is Orthopedic Surgery?

When conservative, noninvasive approaches fail, your doctor may suggest surgery. Orthopedic surgeons perform numerous types of surgeries. The following are some of the most common orthopedic surgical procedures:

• Arthroscopy - Uses tiny cameras and equipment to help surgeons visualize, diagnose and treat persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness
  
• Fusion - Involves welding two or more bones together with bone grafts and metal rods to heal into a single, solid bone to eliminate painful motion or restore stability to the spine
  
• Internal fixation - Enables broken pieces of bone to hold in proper position using metal plates, pins or screws
  
• Joint replacement (partial, total and revision) - Uses prosthesis to replace damaged or arthritic joint
  
• Osteotomy - Corrects bone deformities by cutting and repositioning the bone
  
• Soft tissue repair - Replaces damaged tissue with living tissue to mend torn tendons or ligaments

Imagine life without pain.

When joint pain turns your daily activities into a chore, or when you're sidelined by an injury—our experienced orthopedic doctors can help. 

At Los Alamitos Medical Center, we offer a comprehensive range of orthopedic services at our Orthopedic Destination Center as part of our commitment to serving the health needs of communities in Orange County and the Greater Long Beach areas.

Our orthopedic doctors and compassionate caregivers offer several options for people to consider when seeking relief from various orthopedic aches and pains. We provide personalized treatment and advanced joint technology to help ease multiple orthopedic aches and pains, including the following:

• Over-the-counter or prescriptions medication
  
• Cortisone injections
  
• Rehabilitation
  
• Robotic-assisted minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures
  
• Partial and total knee replacements
  
• Partial and total hip replacements
  
• Gender-specific replacements

We understand that the journey from treatment to recovery can be a complicated process. That's why our orthopedic team of doctors, surgeons, physical therapists and nurses at Los Alamitos Medical Center believes in collaboration and individualized patient care plans from diagnosis through rehabilitation. We are fully certified by The Joint Commission to give you the quality of care and expertise you need for peace of mind.

Why Choose Los Alamitos Medical Center for Your Joint Care?

Knee, hip, back and shoulder pain can be debilitating or alter a person's quality of life. Our compassionate team of health professionals offers several treatment options, including conservative noninvasive and surgical procedures. We developed our program to help get you on your way to a more active lifestyle.

When you choose Los Alamitos Medical Center, you will benefit from:

• Advanced, comprehensive orthopedic care from diagnosis to treatment
  
• Nonsurgical and minimally invasive surgical treatment options
  
• Our team of experienced surgeons and caring nurses, therapists and technicians at the Orthopedic Destination Center perform total knee and hip replacements
  
• Comprehensive and customized medical treatment plans for all kinds of sports-related injuries

Schedule an Appointment

Your health can't wait. Get the compassionate service combined with advanced technologies and procedures available here at Los Alamitos Medical Center. Please see this page to request an orthopedic doctor referral today to learn about your condition and treatment options.

Insurance Accepted

Los Alamitos Medical Center accepts various insurance plans and offers options for payment plan flexibility, so you can get the quality care you need when you need it the most. Our dedicated staff is available to answer your questions about your insurance coverage and financial arrangements. Call us at 562-598-1311 or see this page for your billing and insurance questions. If you have specific questions about your coverage, please get in touch with your insurance provider directly.

Find an Orthopedic Doctor in Orange County

Is there a surgery you've been putting off? Are you experiencing pain or discomfort from an undiagnosed condition or injury?

Los Alamitos Medical Center is your destination for joint care in the Orange County and LA area. We commit to helping you make it possible to get the care you need. Speak with one of our experienced orthopedic doctors at Los Alamitos Medical Center for proper diagnosis and advice on the best orthopedic options for your bones, joints and muscles. If it's an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.