Dr David Crawford Points Out Interesting Details About Orthopedics

There are more than 200 bones in the human body, and hence medical professionals treating issues related to them are quite important. As mentioned by Dr David Crawford orthopedic surgeons basically are the ones who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Dr Crawford himself is an orthopedic surgeon who majorly practices in New Albany, Ohio. He mentions that orthopedics disorders comprises of acute, chronic, or degenerative conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, some of the common ones being Arthritis, dislocated joints, as well as hip or back pain.

The specialty of orthopedics is quite vast. Hence, while some medical professionals treat all the conditions coming under it, there are many orthopedic surgeons who sub-specialize as well, and tend to focus on a specific treatment area. For example, Joint surgeons only treat hip or knee patients with arthritis or similar conditions that limit the movement of the patients. As pointed out by Dr David Crawford this high level of specialization enables these professionals to effectively diagnose, treat and at times even prevent orthopedic issues with superior precision. Dr Crawford is affiliated with many hospitals including Mount Carmel New Albany Surgical Hospital, Mount Carmel St Ann’s, Mount Carmel West, as well as Riverside Methodist Hospital. He also cooperates with doctors and physicians belonging to distinguished medical groups, such as Joint Implant Surgeons, Inc.

In the opinion of Dr David Crawford orthopedics usually treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. While some of these conditions might be present from birth, most of them tend to occur as a result of certain kind of an injury or an age-related wear and tear. Some of the most common conditions that an orthopedist may treat are:

• • Joint pain from arthritis
  • Bone fractures
  • Back pain

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Soft tissue (muscle, tendon, and ligament) injuries
• Congenital conditions, such as clubfoot and scoliosis

They may also treat certain sports injuries and conditions taking place due to overuse, such as tendinitis, meniscus tears, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears

As pointed out by Dr David Crawford during the first appointment with a patient, orthopedists typically work towards diagnosing their condition by conducting a physical examination and taking X-rays. In certain cases, they may use an in-office procedure, like an injection, for the purpose of diagnosing the condition or treating it. In multiple cases, additional testing is required for the purpose of confirming the diagnosis. These tests include:

• An MRI scan
• A CT scan
• A bone scan
• An ultrasound
• Nerve conduction studies
• Blood tests

There additionally are cases of certain acute injuries that tend to require the orthopedist to manipulate or reset the bone or joint, as well as immobilize it by using a splint, cast, or brace.