Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the skeletal system and its interconnecting parts. These parts include the: – bones – muscles – joints – tendons – ligaments An orthopedist often works as part of a larger orthopedic treatment team. This team may include: – physician assistants – nurse practitioners – occupational and physical therapists – athletic trainers What do orthopedists treat? Orthopedists treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions may be present from birth, or they may occur as a result of injury or age-related wear and tear. Below are some of the most common conditions that an orthopedist may treat: – joint pain from arthritis – bone fractures – soft tissue (muscle, tendon, and ligament) injuries – back pain – neck pain – shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis – carpal tunnel syndrome – overuse and sports injuries, including tendinitis, meniscus tears, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears – congenital conditions, such as clubfoot and scoliosis.