What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Both are trained in musculoskeletal medicine. Sports medicine physicians specialize in the non-operative medical treatment of musculoskeletal sports conditions while orthopedic surgeons are also trained in the operative management of these conditions. Approximately 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical. Sports medicine physicians are able to expedite referral to an orthopedic/sports surgeon when needed by identifying those patients most likely to benefit from surgery. In addition, because of their primary care background, sports medicine physicians are well trained in the myriad of non-musculoskeletal issues that confront athletes.
