Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-11-24
Orthopaedic Doctors: Types and Definitions
Orthopaedics & Traumatology specialists work to diagnose, treat, and prevent trauma, disorders, and diseases in a patient’s musculoskeletal system. This includes structures that enable movement, such as the spine, pelvis, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
In Hong Kong, doctors must complete a 5-year medical degree, followed by 1 year of clinical internship and 2 years of general surgery practice. They also need to pass an intermediate professional exam before applying for a 4-year orthopaedic specialty training program (organized by the Hong Kong College of Orthopaedics). After passing the professional assessment, they can register as orthopaedic specialists.
As a result, every orthopaedic doctor in Hong Kong has undergone at least 12 years of professional education and training. Even after obtaining their specialty qualifications, they must continue their education as required by the Medical Council.
In their daily work, orthopaedic doctors deal with patients of all ages, using treatments like surgery, medications, and muscle-stretching exercises to address issues such as bone fractures, joint dysfunctions, muscle tears, ligament injuries, or related conditions.
Orthopaedic doctors typically diagnose and treat the following conditions:
- Fractures and dislocations
- Various pains (in areas like the lower back, neck, upper back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles)
- Degenerative arthritis (such as bone spurs) and other forms of arthritis
- Sciatica
- Spinal joint degeneration
- Scoliosis
- Osteoporosis
- Bone tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and muscle atrophy
- Conditions like clubfoot, big toe cysts, bow legs (knock knees), bow-leggedness, and leg length discrepancies
- Developmental abnormalities
- Tendon injuries, muscle strains, bursitis, and tears in intra-articular soft tissues
- Ligament tears, sprains, and strains
- Infections of muscles and bones (such as spinal tuberculosis)
Orthopaedic doctors commonly perform the following types of surgeries:
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Fusion surgery
- Internal fixation surgery
- Joint replacement surgery
- Bone grafting surgery
- Soft tissue repair surgery
- Decompression surgery
When Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor?
If your muscles, joints, or bones are painful, or if your joints are having issues, you might wonder if it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s worth considering a visit to an orthopedic doctor.
- You’re feeling pain, stiffness, or discomfort that makes daily activities tough
- Your pain has lasted more than 12 weeks (that’s chronic pain we’re talking about)
- You’ve noticed a reduced range of motion in your joints
- You feel unsteady when walking or standing
- You’ve injured your soft tissue, but it’s not improving after 48 hours
How Much Does an Orthopedic Doctor Consultation Cost?
Private Fees
Based on our survey of private doctor fees, consultation costs range from HK$500 to HK$2,000, and they can vary depending on individual circumstances. Fees are quite flexible, so it’s best to call the clinics or visit private hospitals for exact details.
Public Fees
For Hospital Authority’s orthopedic outpatient services (including specialist clinics), the initial consultation fee is HK$135, with follow-up visits at HK$80 each, and HK$15 per medication.*
- * This fee applies to eligible persons, who include: holders of a Hong Kong Identity Card issued under the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Chapter 177), except if the card is based on an expired or invalid entry permit; children under 11 years old who are Hong Kong residents; or other persons recognized by the Hospital Authority CEO.
Does VHIS Cover Specialist Outpatient Services?
VHIS coverage includes eligible outpatient expenses derived from orthopedic surgery , but it does not cover specialist outpatient expenses. However, the BowtieGo outpatient service included with your VHIS plan allows you to access designated specialist outpatient services at up to half price, without the need for additional claims applications. BowtieGo Outpatient Services
Orthopedic diagnoses cover a wide range and may identify conditions like fractures or arthritis. If you’re looking for inpatient medical coverage, consider Bowtie Pink, which offers first-dollar coverage for eligible medical expenses, meaning qualified medical expenditures can be fully reimbursed*. Get a quote for yourself or your family right away. Bowtie Pink VHIS
- * Bowtie Pink VHIS series provides full reimbursement for eligible medical expenses related to diagnosis, hospitalization, surgery, and specified non-surgical cancer treatments (excluding the US), subject to annual and lifetime limits. Claims involving hospitals in mainland China not on the designated list, high-end hospitals on the list, rooms above the specified level, or pre-existing conditions may result in adjusted reimbursement amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I see an orthopedic specialist or a rheumatologist?
If you have any of the following, you should see an orthopedic doctor :
- Muscle, joint, or bone pain that started after an injury or accident
- Torn or ruptured tendons
- Bone instability or misalignment
- Hip or knee pain that is worsening over time
- Pain in the buttocks or knees that intensifies during weight-bearing activities
- Arthritis in the hip, knee, or elbow joints
- Diagnosis of osteoarthritis
- Neck or back pain
- Radiating pain in the arms or legs due to nerve compression
If you have any of the following, you should see a rheumatologist :
- Pain in multiple joints throughout the body
- New joint pain unrelated to injury or accidents
- Fever, fatigue, rash, chest pain, or joint stiffness associated with joint, muscle, or bone pain
- Joint pain after a tick bite (which could indicate Lyme disease)
- Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
2. What tests might I undergo after seeing an orthopedic doctor?
During the consultation, the orthopedic specialist will conduct an initial assessment based on your medical history and physical examination. Depending on your symptoms and needs, they may recommend further tests, including Blood test , X-ray , CT or MRI , among others.
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