What is the difference in care I may get between my orthopedic surgeon, who operated on my broken hip, or my own family doctor?

Orthopedic surgeons, doctors who operate on bones and soft tissues like ligaments and tendons, are specialists for the skeletal system. They should be most up-to-date on anything related to orthopedic work. Primary care physicians are the gate keepers of the medical system, so to speak. They have a general knowledge of the human body although, they may have a specific knowledge of certain body systems if they’re interested and study up on it.

General physicians are a great source of health care. That being said, orthopedic surgeons, with their in depth knowledge of the bones and other structures, may sometimes be able to provide a different level of care.