General Orthopedics

What is Orthopedics?

The word “orthopedics” has roots in the Greek language–Ortho, meaning straight, and pais, for child. The earliest orthopeaedists focused on correcting bone deformities in children using braces and other forms of treatment to make the child “straight.”

Today, the scope of modern orthopedic medicine includes adults and children with any type of deformity, disorder, or injury to the musculoskeletal system. And treatment goes way beyond just making you “straight.”

Conditions Treated

General orthopedics covers the broadest range of musculoskeletal ailments, ranging from common sprains and strains to traumatic fractures and multiple injuries. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

Treatment – Surgical and Non-Surgical

Depending on the nature of your injury or condition, we can start with the most conservative treatment approach before resorting to surgery. Anti-inflammatory medication and customized physical therapy can go a long way to relieve pain and regain function.

Beyond that, we can try some interventional pain treatments to stimulate natural healing. But the first step is to see an orthopedic doctor; get an X-ray, MRI, or any other diagnostic tests; and arrive at a diagnosis. From there, we can design a treatment plan specifically suited to meet your needs.

If we do arrive at a diagnosis that is best treated surgically, North Country Orthopaedic Group is an excellent place to be. Our orthopedic surgeons have decades of experience with patients just like you. We understand what you’re going through and can ease your concerns about surgery and recovery. Special medication and post-operative rehabilitation can shave time off of your recovery, so you can get back to the activities you enjoy most.

Call North Country Orthopaedic Group in Watertown, NY for more information and to book an appointment. Whether you want a second opinion or have an urgent injury, we are happy to help. Call (315) 782-1650 or request an appointment online now.

In the News

Join us in congratulating Dr. Natalie Nielsen in becoming Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery!

ABOS Board Certification “is yet one more assurance for patients and their families — before and after surgery. Studies point to better outcomes, decreased infection rates and reduced time away from home when surgery is performed by a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon”1.

Board certification is voluntary process beyond medical licensure. A Board Certified physician must meet certain educational requirements. Certification first consists of two phases. The first phase is a timed exam of approximately 320 multiple choice questions covering all of orthopaedics. After passing this exam, the physician is considered Board Eligible. The second phase is an oral exam, for which all surgical cases performed during a six-month period are submitted for review by the volunteer Board Certified orthopaedic surgeons. Twelve cases are selected for the oral exam presentation. The cases are independently graded and scrutinized by examiners on many levels. Once a physician passes the second phase, they are Board Certified for a period of 10 years.