Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Omer Sheriff, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), Fellowship in Joint Replacement
Years of Experience: 24+ Years
Last Reviewed: October 2026
Bone, joint, muscle and ligament problems can affect people at different stages of life. Pain, swelling, stiffness or difficulty moving may develop after an injury, through repetitive activity or because of a long-term musculoskeletal condition. The right treatment depends on identifying the cause of the symptoms and assessing how the condition affects everyday activities.
If you are researching an orthopaedic surgeon in India, it is helpful to understand the conditions orthopaedic specialists manage, the investigations they may recommend and the range of non-surgical and surgical treatments available.
What Does an Orthopaedic Surgeon Treat?
Orthopaedics is the medical specialty concerned with conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and related structures. Orthopaedic surgeons assess injuries and diseases affecting movement and recommend treatment based on the diagnosis and the patient’s needs.
Common areas of orthopaedic care include:
- Knee and hip conditions: Osteoarthritis, joint stiffness, cartilage damage and other causes of joint pain.
- Fractures and trauma: Broken bones, dislocations and injuries involving surrounding soft tissues.
- Sports injuries: Ligament tears, meniscus injuries, tendon problems and selected shoulder or knee conditions.
- Joint replacement: Assessment for knee or hip replacement when joint damage substantially affects function.
- Arthroscopy: Selected procedures that use a small camera and specialised instruments to assess or treat problems inside a joint.
- Musculoskeletal deformities: Certain bone and joint alignment problems that may affect movement.
- Selected spinal and related conditions: Assessment and treatment planning for appropriate musculoskeletal problems involving the spine.
Not every condition requires surgery. Treatment may involve medication, physiotherapy, activity modification, rehabilitation or a surgical procedure, depending on the clinical findings.
When Should You Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon?
An orthopaedic assessment may be appropriate when symptoms persist, recur or interfere with normal activities. Consider seeking medical advice for:
- Joint pain that makes walking, climbing stairs or performing routine tasks difficult.
- Swelling, stiffness or a reduced range of movement.
- Pain following a fall, sports injury or accident.
- Difficulty bearing weight on an affected limb.
- Repeated joint instability or a feeling that a joint may give way.
- Symptoms that do not improve with appropriate initial care.
A suspected fracture, visible deformity after an injury, an open wound over a possible fracture or sudden inability to bear weight requires prompt medical assessment. A hot, swollen joint accompanied by fever also needs urgent evaluation. After a major injury, severe bleeding, loss of sensation or a cold or discoloured limb warrants emergency care.
How are Orthopaedic Conditions Diagnosed?
An accurate diagnosis helps guide treatment. The assessment depends on the symptoms, the affected body part and the suspected condition.
Medical history and physical examination
The doctor may ask when the symptoms began, whether there was an injury, what activities worsen the pain and whether previous treatments have helped. The examination may include checking movement, tenderness, swelling, joint stability, muscle strength, alignment and walking pattern.
Imaging and other investigations
X-rays are commonly used to assess fractures, joint alignment and changes associated with arthritis. Depending on the clinical findings, an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound or blood tests may be recommended. Not every patient needs every test.
Individual treatment planning
The findings are considered alongside age, activity level, general health, existing medical conditions and personal goals. The doctor can then explain the likely diagnosis, available treatment options, their limitations and whether further assessment is needed.
Non-Surgical Orthopaedic Treatment Options
Many musculoskeletal conditions can initially be managed without surgery. The choice depends on the diagnosis, symptom severity and the patient’s overall health.
Medication
A healthcare professional may recommend medicines to manage pain or inflammation when appropriate. The choice of medication depends on factors such as other medical conditions, current medicines, allergies and potential side effects.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
A physiotherapist may guide exercises to improve movement, strength, balance and function. The programme should be adapted to the condition and the stage of recovery. Exercises that worsen pain or are unsuitable for an injury should be avoided until assessed.
Activity modification
Temporarily adjusting activities that aggravate symptoms may help some patients. Depending on the condition, the care plan may include changes to exercise, work activities or weight-bearing, along with a gradual return to normal movement.
Supportive devices
Some patients may benefit from a brace, walking aid or other support. The need for a device and how long to use it depend on the diagnosis and professional advice.
If these measures do not adequately address the problem, an orthopaedic surgeon may discuss additional treatment options, including surgery where clinically appropriate.
Common Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures
Surgery is considered when the expected benefits justify the risks and suitable non-surgical options have been assessed. The procedure depends on the affected structure and the extent of the injury or disease.
Knee and hip replacement
Joint replacement involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. It may be considered for advanced arthritis or other conditions that cause substantial pain and functional limitations despite appropriate treatment.
Total and partial knee replacement are different procedures. Hip replacement may be recommended for selected patients with significant hip joint damage. The choice depends on clinical assessment, imaging and individual circumstances.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through small incisions to examine or treat selected joint problems. It may be used for certain ligament, cartilage or other joint conditions. Its suitability depends on the specific diagnosis; it is not necessary or beneficial for every type of joint pain.
Fracture fixation
Some fractures can be managed with immobilisation, while others require surgery. Fracture fixation may involve plates, screws, rods or other devices to stabilise the bone. The treatment plan depends on the fracture pattern, its location, soft-tissue condition and the patient’s overall health.
Ligament reconstruction
Selected ligament injuries, including some anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, may be treated with reconstruction. The decision depends on factors such as joint stability, associated injuries, activity requirements and response to rehabilitation.
Other procedures
Some patients require surgery for deformity correction or other musculoskeletal problems. These procedures require condition-specific assessment, planning and discussion of possible complications.
Understanding the Risks of Orthopaedic Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks, and the nature of these risks varies with the operation and the patient’s health. Possible complications include:
- Infection or delayed wound healing.
- Bleeding or reactions associated with anaesthesia.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs.
- Injury to nearby nerves, blood vessels or other structures.
- Persistent pain, stiffness or restricted movement.
- Problems with bone healing or the position of fixation devices.
- Implant wear, loosening or other complications after joint replacement.
- The need for additional treatment or further surgery.
These complications do not occur in every patient. Before making a decision, patients should discuss the risks relevant to their condition, the expected benefits, alternative treatments and the likely rehabilitation requirements with their treating team.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Orthopaedic Treatment
Recovery depends on the injury or condition, the treatment performed, general health and adherence to the rehabilitation plan. Some patients improve with conservative treatment, while others need a longer period of supervised rehabilitation after surgery.
A recovery plan may include wound care, pain management, physiotherapy, prescribed exercises and gradual changes in activity. Weight-bearing restrictions and the use of walking aids depend on the procedure or injury. Follow-up appointments help the treating team assess progress and address concerns.
Patients should seek medical advice if pain or swelling increases unexpectedly, a wound becomes red or starts discharging, or fever develops after surgery. Sudden chest pain or breathlessness requires emergency medical attention.
What Should You Consider When Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon in India?
When researching an orthopaedic surgeon, focus on information that helps you make an informed decision rather than rankings or promotional claims.
Consider the following:
- Medical qualifications: Check the surgeon’s stated qualifications and relevant registration details.
- Relevant clinical experience: Ask about experience managing your particular condition or performing the proposed procedure.
- Explanation of treatment choices: The consultation should include appropriate alternatives, expected benefits, limitations and potential risks.
- Hospital and support arrangements: Understand where treatment will take place and what surgical, anaesthesia, diagnostic and rehabilitation support is available.
- Follow-up care: Ask how postoperative reviews, rehabilitation and management of possible complications are arranged.
- Clear communication: You should have the opportunity to ask questions and understand the information before deciding on treatment.
A procedure should be recommended on clinical grounds, not solely because a particular technology is available or a treatment is described as advanced.
About Dr. Omer Sheriff
Dr. Omer Sheriff is an orthopaedic surgeon in Chennai. His professional website lists MBBS, D.Ortho, MS (Orthopaedics) and a Fellowship in Joint Replacement among his qualifications. His clinical interests include trauma care, knee and hip conditions, joint replacement and other orthopaedic problems.
Patients considering an orthopaedic consultation should discuss their symptoms, relevant investigations, previous treatment and general health. The appropriate management plan depends on the individual diagnosis and clinical assessment.
Dr. Omer Sheriff’s website lists consultation locations in Chennai, including Kolathur, Nungambakkam and Royapettah, as well as Dr. Humayun Speciality Hospital in T. Nagar. Patients should confirm the current visiting schedule, appointment availability and treatment arrangements with the relevant hospital before visiting.
Read More: Types of Knee Replacement Surgery.
