Orthopedic Surgery
Surgical and non-surgical care for the musculoskeletal system.
What does an orthopedic surgeon do?
Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Despite the name, much of their work is non-surgical: injections, bracing, physical-therapy planning, and conservative management of arthritis, tendinopathy, and overuse injuries. When surgery is the right call, it can range from arthroscopic procedures to joint replacement to fracture repair.
Many orthopedic surgeons sub-specialize: sports medicine, joint replacement (hip and knee), spine, hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, pediatric orthopedics, or trauma. For a known issue (e.g. a torn ACL or chronic knee arthritis), confirming the surgeon's sub-specialty matches your concern makes a real difference.
When to see an orthopedic surgeon vs. start elsewhere
Common reasons to see an orthopedic surgeon: a sports injury that hasn't healed, joint pain that limits your daily life, an MRI or x-ray your primary-care provider wants a specialist to interpret, or a second opinion on a recommended surgery. Many practices include physical therapists and physiatrists, so the first appointment isn't necessarily a step toward the operating room.
For acute injuries like a suspected fracture or a joint that won't bear weight, urgent care or the emergency department is usually the right starting point. Bring any imaging you've already had to your first orthopedic visit so the surgeon can review it directly.
Find orthopedic surgery providers near you
Orthopedic Surgery on ProviderQuoHealth
Cape Fear Orthopaedic Clinic, P.A.
Harnett Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
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Frequently asked
Will I need surgery?
Most orthopedic visits don't end in surgery. Non-surgical options (physical therapy, bracing, injections, activity modification) are usually tried first and often resolve the issue. Surgery is a serious decision; a good orthopedic surgeon will lay out non-surgical alternatives and only recommend an operation when the evidence supports it for your specific condition.
Should I get a second opinion before surgery?
For elective procedures, yes — getting a second orthopedic opinion is a reasonable step and most surgeons expect it. Bring your imaging and notes from the first visit. Insurance usually covers a second opinion when the surgery is non-emergent. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons supports patients seeking second opinions for elective procedures.
Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon?
Most PPO plans allow self-referral; HMOs typically require a primary-care referral first. Check the surgeon's profile for accepted insurance, or call your insurer to confirm. Either way, having a primary-care provider involved is useful — they coordinate any imaging, PT, and follow-up care.
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About our medical review process
The editorial health content on this page was reviewed by Myra A. Jones BSN, RN, CCM, a registered nurse, for medical accuracy and adherence to current clinical standards as of July 15, 2026. Provider listings are directory data from the public NPPES registry and provider submissions; they are not part of clinical review. ProviderQuoHealth’s health content is reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals before publication and re-checked when the content materially changes.
Important: Not Medical Advice
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