Orthopaedics is the medical specialism that treats conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Sometimes this is done by surgery, but sometimes the injuries can heal on their own given appropriate guidance from your doctor. Dr Van Innis decides on the best treatment in consultation with the patient. Orthopaedics typically involves conditions associated with wear and tear (osteoarthritis, tendonitis). This includes fitting prostheses and repairing tendons.

Traumatology involves treating injuries sustained in an accident. Most orthopaedists are also traumatologists. Traumatology is an integral part of the training of an orthopaedic surgeon. Traumatologists treat fractures and muscle injuries surgically or conservatively (without surgery). For example, a fracture may heal with a plaster cast, or might require surgery. Displaced fractures usually require surgery to set the fracture in place and secure it (with spindles, screws and plates).

Within orthopaedics-traumatology, there are several sub-specialisms: spine, ankle, hip, shoulder, hand, and so on.

Dr Van Innis can be consulted mainly for hip and shoulder surgery, sports injuries and traumatology.