Although they are orthopedic and physiatrists experts in the musculoskeletal system, they are two distinct medical figures; while the orthopedist is also a surgeon, the physiatrist is only a doctor.

The difference, as mentioned above, between orthopedist and physiatrist emerges in the therapeutic field: while the physiatrist deals with the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system using only conservative treatments, the knee replacement Chandigarh orthopedist can manage the diseases of the musculoskeletal system also through surgical treatments, which he performs the first person.

The skills of the orthopedist concern:

  • The anatomy and physiology of bones, cartilages, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, in other words, of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Injuries and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the conditions mentioned above (pathophysiological mechanisms mean the processes that support a specific disease).
  • The investigation methods were helpful in the diagnosis of pathological conditions that can affect the locomotor system.
  • Conservative and surgical therapies to be adopted in the presence of injuries or diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
  • The rehabilitation program helpful in recovering from injuries or illnesses affecting the musculoskeletal system or from surgical interventions carried out for the treatment of one of the above conditions
  • The prevention of suffering that can affect the musculoskeletal system.

It should be noted that the orthopedist is, in the first person, a diagnostician and a therapist; that is, he/she possesses the necessary preparation to carry out investigations useful for diagnostic purposes (e.g., manual evaluation test) and targeted surgical interventions (e.g., repair of a ligament ).

The orthopedist can diagnose congenital or functional problems of the musculoskeletal system, from infections to sports injuries, fractures, joint pains, osteoporosis, and bone tumors. If necessary, he can intervene surgically, even conducting complex operations such as those to insert hip replacements.