Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Waco

Introduction to Orthopedics in Waco

Overview of Orthopedic Care

Orthopedics is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Orthopedic specialists in Waco treat a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries and fractures to chronic conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.

Importance of Choosing the Right Orthopedic Doctor

Selecting the appropriate orthopedic specialist can significantly influence the success of your treatment and overall satisfaction with your care.

When choosing an orthopedic doctor in Waco, consider factors such as their education, board certifications, patient reviews, and areas of expertise. The data provided shows that Waco has a diverse range of orthopedic specialists with various subspecialties and experience levels.

Finding an Orthopedic Specialist in Waco

Overview of the Local Medical Landscape

Availability of Orthopedic Specialists

• Based on the provided data, Waco has at least 15 orthopedic specialists
• Mix of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants

Types of Orthopedic Subspecialties

• General Orthopedic Surgery
• Orthopedic Spine Surgery
• Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery
• Orthopedic Hand Surgery

Resources for Doctor Selection

Online Platforms and Rating Systems

• Healthgrades.com provides detailed information on doctors
• Patient ratings and reviews available for most specialists
• Star ratings range from 3.0 to 5.0 for listed doctors

Additional Information Sources

• Hospital affiliations (though not provided in the current data)
• Board certifications and educational background
• Languages spoken by the healthcare providers

Top-Rated Orthopedic Specialists in Waco

Dr. Jerry Benham

Professional Background

• Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Medical education from University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine
• Residency completed at University Hospital S Tx Medical Center

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Perfect 5.0-star rating based on 30 patient reviews
• Highest number of reviews among top-rated orthopedic specialists in Waco

Specialization

• Focuses on Orthopedic Surgery
• English-speaking provider

Dr. Nolan Malthesen

Professional Background

• Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Medical education from University of Kansas School of Medicine
• Residency at John Peter Smith Hospital
• Fellowship at University Of Texas Health Science Center Of San Antonio

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Impressive 4.9-star rating based on 34 patient reviews
• Second-highest number of reviews among top-rated orthopedic specialists in Waco

Specialization

• Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery
• English-speaking provider

Gregory Palm, PA

Professional Background

• Physician Assistant specializing in Orthopedic Surgery
• Educational background not specified in the provided data

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Perfect 5.0-star rating based on 8 patient reviews
• High patient satisfaction despite fewer reviews

Contact Information

• Available at phone number (254) 752-9638
• English-speaking provider

Additional Notable Providers

Kristin Hill, APRN

• Nurse Practitioner specializing in Orthopedic Surgery
• Perfect 5.0-star rating (based on 1 review)
• Bilingual: speaks English and Spanish
• Educational background includes Baylor University College of Medicine

Dr. Chad Conner

• Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• 4.5-star rating based on 13 patient reviews
• Fellowship at Southern California Orthopedic Institute
• Medical education from University of Texas Medical Branch

Additional Considerations for Choosing an Orthopedic Specialist in Waco

Subspecialties within Orthopedics

Orthopedic Surgery

• General orthopedic surgery practitioners in Waco
• Specialists like Dr. Jerry Benham and Dr. Nolan Malthesen

Orthopedic Spine Surgery

• Specialists like Dr. John Diezte and Dr. Joel Patterson
• Importance in treating complex spinal conditions

Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery

• Specialists like Dr. Paul Bednarz
• Focused treatment for lower extremity issues

Board Certifications and Qualifications

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

• Significance of this certification
• Certified specialists in Waco (e.g., Dr. Jerry Benham, Dr. Nolan Malthesen)

American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

• Alternative certification for osteopathic physicians
• Certified specialists like Dr. Lance Ellis

Non-physician Orthopedic Specialists

• Roles of Nurse Practitioners (e.g., Kristin Hill) and Physician Assistants (e.g., Gregory Palm)
• Importance in the orthopedic care team

Language and Communication

Multilingual Providers

• Doctors offering services in multiple languages (e.g., Dr. John Faillace - English, French, Spanish)
• Benefits for diverse patient populations

Clear Communication in Orthopedic Care

• Importance of understanding treatment plans and procedures
• Patient education resources offered by providers