Subspecialty Care

If you hurt your knee, shoulder, or break a bone, it might seem like any orthopedic doctor can help. But not all orthopedic surgeons are the same. Some are generalists, while others spend years training to treat just one part of the body. These are called subspecialist orthopedic surgeons.

What Is a Subspecialist?

A subspecialist is an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on one area—like hands, hips, knees, or spine. They’ve done extra training (called a fellowship) to become experts in that body part. So if you have a torn ACL or a broken wrist, a subspecialist has likely treated injuries just like yours many times before.

Why It Matters

Studies show that patients treated by subspecialists often recover faster and have better outcomes. One study found that patients with shoulder injuries treated by subspecialists had fewer complications and shorter recovery times than those treated by generalists.

In a city like Seattle—with so many people biking, hiking, skiing, and kayaking—sports and activity-related injuries are common. That’s why seeing the right specialist matters. A foot and ankle surgeon knows exactly how to handle an Achilles tear from a trail run on Tiger Mountain. A hand specialist has repaired hundreds of wrist fractures from ski falls at Snoqualmie.

The Problem: Getting to the Right Surgeon

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy. Many patients are sent to general orthopedic clinics or get stuck in referral loops. In fact, it takes an average of over 16 days in the U.S. to get an orthopedic appointment—and sometimes even longer if you’re waiting to see the right specialist.

The Solution: Get Matched, Not Misrouted

That’s why we built Ortho Compass—a free, surgeon-led platform that helps patients in the Seattle area connect directly with local orthopedic subspecialists. You can upload your imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) and get matched to a surgeon who specializes in your type of injury.

No extra referrals. No weeks of waiting. Just expert care—fast.