Orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic doctors are both physicians that specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal problems that impact the soft tissues and bones within the body. An orthopedic surgeon, however, has the ability to perform all the tasks that an orthopedic doctor can, but they are also able to perform surgical procedures. Orthopedic doctors can diagnose, provide follow-up treatments, and additional care necessary for the treatment of a medical disorder, but they’re unable to perform surgery. The surgeon will perform invasive procedures on the hips, ankles, shoulders, knees, elbows, feet, or spine if the orthopedic doctor recommends it. The surgeon is typically able to help with serious conditions that require invasive treatment, like chronic back pain, ruptured disc, spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bone tumors, and arthritis. In short, all orthopedic surgeons are doctors, but not all orthopedists are surgeons.