The Differences Between An Orthopedic Surgeon And Neurosurgeon

Orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons focus on different aspects of surgical care. They also treat other types of conditions. To understand and learn the differences between the two surgeons, compare orthopedic surgeon vs neurosurgeon.

Key differences

There are some differences between orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. Understand the differences between their roles and specializations to perform their professions. Learn below how the two surgeons differ from each other.

Orthopedic surgeon area of specialty

The field of orthopedic surgery contains various subspecialties and areas of expertise. Some common areas of specialty within orthopedic surgery include:

  • Sports medicine. Orthopedic sports medicine specialists focus on the treatment of sports-related injuries, such as:
    • ligament and tendon tears
    • fractures
    • joint problems
  • Joint replacement surgery. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in joint replacement surgery and perform procedures, such as:
    • hip replacement
    • knee replacement
    • shoulder replacement
  • Pediatric orthopedics. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in children and adolescents, such as:
    • congenital deformities
    • growth plate injuries
    • scoliosis
  • Trauma surgery. Orthopedic trauma surgeons focus on treating traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system.
  • Orthopedic oncology. Orthopedic oncologists treat bone and soft tissue tumors, both benign and malignant. They may perform surgeries to remove tumors and reconstruct affected areas.
  • Orthopedic hand surgery. This subspecialty focuses specifically on hand and wrist conditions, including:
    • nerve compression syndromes
    • arthritis
    • hand trauma
  • Orthopedic spine surgery. Orthopedic spine surgeons primarily address spinal disorders, including:
    • degenerative conditions
    • deformities
    • spinal tumors
  • Orthopedic foot and ankle surgery. This specialization deals with conditions of the foot and ankle, including:
    • sports injuries
    • deformities
    • arthritis
  • Orthopedic traumatology. Orthopedic traumatologists specialize in treating traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

Neurosurgeon area of specialty

Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the surgical treatment of disorders of the nervous system. Some common areas of specialty within neurosurgery include:

  • Brain surgery. Neurosurgeons specialize in brain surgery, including:
    • removal of brain tumors
    • treatment of vascular abnormalities
    • surgery for epilepsy
  • Spinal surgery. Spinal neurosurgeons deal with conditions affecting the spine. They perform surgeries to treat:
    • spinal cord injuries
    • herniated discs
    • spinal stenosis
    • scoliosis
    • other spinal deformities or disorders
  • Peripheral nerve surgery. Some neurosurgeons specialize in surgeries involving the peripheral nervous system.
  • Functional neurosurgery. Functional neurosurgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of:
    • movement disorders
    • epilepsy
    • chronic pain
  • Vascular neurosurgery. Vascular neurosurgeons focus on the surgical treatment of vascular disorders of the brain and spine.
  • Pediatric neurosurgery. Pediatric neurosurgeons address conditions, such as:
    • congenital brain malformations
    • pediatric brain tumors

Neurosurgery is a complex field. Neurosurgeons choose to subspecialize particular areas based on their training and interests.