When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon over a General Surgeon

Choosing the right specialist when you’re dealing with an injury or health issue can sometimes feel confusing, especially when it comes to surgery. Should you see an orthopedic surgeon for your knee pain, or is a general surgeon the right call for treating that hernia? Understanding the differences between these two types of surgeons can make the difference in getting the proper care. This blog will walk you through what orthopedic surgeons and general surgeons do, their areas of expertise and how to decide which one you may need to see.

We speak to Richard Dees, D.O., an orthopedic surgeon with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Orthopedics Edmond, to learn more. 

“There are several conditions or ailments that might initially cause confusion about whether you need a general surgeon or an orthopedic surgeon,” Dees says. “This confusion can come up because symptoms might overlap, or the affected area involves both internal organs and the musculoskeletal system. It’s best to speak to your health care provider who will work with you to get the appropriate treatment plan figured out.”

What is a general surgeon?

Key points: A general surgeon is a doctor who specializes in performing many surgical procedures to treat various conditions. They are trained to diagnose, manage and surgically treat diseases and injuries involving multiple organ systems.

General surgeons receive a degree from medical school and then receive specialized training in general surgery through a five-year residency program.

• During training, residents learn abdominal, trauma, endocrine and minimally invasive surgeries.

As the name suggests, general surgeons can perform a variety of surgeries that involve various organs and tissue, both electively and for emergencies.  

• Abdominal surgery includes procedures on the stomach, intestines, appendix, gallbladder, liver, pancreas and spleen.
• Hernia repair involves surgeries in the abdominal wall or groin.
• Breast surgery includes biopsies, lumpectomies and mastectomies for breast cancer or other conditions.
• Trauma surgery includes emergency surgeries for injuries caused by accidents or violence.
• Endocrine surgery involves procedures on the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands.
• Soft tissue surgery includes removal of tumors or cysts in the skin or soft tissues.
• Minimally invasive surgery includes laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries for faster recovery and smaller incisions.

What is an orthopedic surgeon?

What to know: An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating and surgically managing conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

Orthopedic surgeons can perform a variety of surgeries and procedures related to different body parts, although it typically involves the hands, feet, knees and shoulders.

• Bone fractures involve treating broken bones, including complex fractures.
• Joint surgery includes joint replacements (hips, knees and shoulder) and arthroscopic procedures.
• Sports injuries involve repairing torn ligaments, tendons or cartilage damage.
• Spinal surgery treats conditions such as herniated discs, scoliosis or spinal stenosis.
• Arthritis treatment includes surgical and non-surgical management of arthritis-related joint damage.
• Trauma and reconstruction repairs severe injuries to bones and joints.
• Hand and foot surgery helps treat carpal tunnel syndrome, bunions or other extremity issues.

Orthopedic surgeons receive a degree from medical school and then gain specialized training in orthopedics through a five-year residency program.

• During residency, residents learn about fractures, joint replacements, sports injuries and spinal disorders.

Who should you see?

Why it matters: The choice between a general surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon depends on the nature of your condition. In general, see a general surgeon for internal organs or soft tissue, while orthopedic surgeons treat bones, joints and muscles.

Consult a general surgeon for the following issues:

• Your condition involves internal organs, soft tissues or the endocrine system.
• You need surgery for abdominal issues (e.g., appendicitis, gallstones, hernias).
• You require trauma surgery for injuries that don’t involve bones or joints.
• You need a biopsy or removal of a tumor in soft tissues or organs.

Consult an orthopedic surgeon for the following issues:

• Your condition involves bones, joints, ligaments, tendons or muscles.
• You have a fracture, dislocation or other musculoskeletal injury.
• You experience chronic joint pain, stiffness or mobility issues.
• You need specialized care for a sports injury or degenerative joint condition.
• You have a spinal issue causing pain, numbness or limited mobility.

Common ailments that cause confusion

Abdominal pain and musculoskeletal pain can be confused, especially if the pain radiates or is difficult to pinpoint.

• Conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, hernias or bowel obstructions cause abdominal pain that requires general surgery intervention.
• Pain from a strained abdominal muscle, rib fractures or a herniated disc in the spine can mimic internal organ pain but is musculoskeletal in nature and should be treated by an orthopedic surgeon.

Hernias and groin strains cause confusion because both result in groin pain, leading to uncertainty about which specialist to see.

• Hernias (inguinal, femoral or umbilical) involve a protrusion of tissue through the abdominal wall and require surgical repair by a general surgeon.
• Groin strains or hip joint issues, such as labral tears or arthritis, are musculoskeletal problems treated by an orthopedic surgeon.

Back pain and internal organ issues can sometimes be confused.

• Kidney stones, gallbladder issues or pancreatitis can cause referred pain in the back and should be treated by a general surgeon.
• Conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis or muscle strains are musculoskeletal and require orthopedic care.

Shoulder pain and referred pain can sometimes come from internal organs, leading to a misdiagnosis.

• Pain in the right shoulder could be referred pain from gallbladder disease (due to irritation of the diaphragm) and should be seen by a general surgeon.
• Shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff injuries, arthritis or dislocations is treated by an orthopedic surgeon.

Chest pain and musculoskeletal pain can be confusing because chest pain may be caused by muscular issues or internal problems.

• Conditions such as hiatal hernias or esophageal issues may cause chest pain and require a general surgeon.
• Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage in the ribcage) or a rib fracture is treated by an orthopedic surgeon.

Hip pain and abdominal or pelvic issues are easily mixed up.

• Conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis or ovarian cysts can cause pain that radiates to the hip area and should be treated by a general surgeon.
• Hip arthritis, labral tears or bursitis are musculoskeletal issues treated by an orthopedic surgeon.

Leg pain and vascular or nerve issues can lead to confusion about who to see.

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or vascular issues may require a general surgeon or vascular specialist.
• Fractures, ligament tears or sciatica (nerve pain) are treated by an orthopedic surgeon.

Trauma cases can make it unclear whether injuries require a general surgeon or an orthopedic surgeon.

• Internal bleeding, organ damage or abdominal trauma requires a general surgeon.
• Fractures, dislocations or joint injuries from trauma are treated by an orthopedic surgeon.

Next steps: Deciding between a general surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The first step is to evaluate your symptoms and consider whether they relate to internal organs or the musculoskeletal system. For personalized guidance, consult your primary care doctor, who can help diagnose your condition and refer you to the right specialist.

Explore Locations and Services

With several locations throughout Oklahoma, expert orthopedic care is within reach.

SEE MORE