Orthopaedic Care

Orthopaedic Providers Throughout the Triangle

Make an Appointment
You have been seen by a Duke provider for orthopaedic care within the last three years or you need to reschedule an appointment.

or call

919-613-7797

When joint pain and discomfort stop you from doing what you love, it’s time to see an orthopaedic specialist. Your pain may result from a sprain, strain, or ligament tear that needs immediate attention; the wear and tear associated with arthritis; or a related medical condition. Duke orthopaedic specialists use the full range of treatments to return you to the activities you enjoy.

Duke Orthopaedic Providers
Meet our orthopaedic surgeons, physiatrists, physician assistants, physical therapists, and others. In-person and virtual appointments are available.

You can schedule a new appointment with some of our providers online. Use this link to find available times and clinic locations.

When to See an Orthopaedic Provider

When to Seek Care Immediately

  • ​Bone fracture or orthopaedic trauma
  • Ligament or tendon tears
  • Dislocations
  • Sprains, strains, or pain from an injury that has not improved in 48 hours
  • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or bowel/bladder incontinence

Visit Duke Sports Injury and Orthopaedic Urgent Care 
Our orthopaedic urgent care clinic in Morrisville is open seven days a week. Get fast service with no long waits and no unnecessary exposure to illness. No appointment necessary; walk-ins are welcome.

When to Make an Appointment at a Duke Orthopaedics Clinic

  • Chronic joint pain
  • Pain in that starts in the low back and runs down one or both legs
  • Difficulty performing daily activities
  • Limited range of motion
  • Instability walking or standing
Duke Orthopaedic Clinics

Our orthopaedic clinics are conveniently located throughout the Triangle. In-person and virtual appointments are available.

Types of Orthopaedic Providers

Duke orthopaedic specialists work together as a team to identify the source of your pain and recommend treatment options that will help you find relief and improve your range of motion. Your team may include the following orthopaedic specialists.

Orthopaedic Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners
They are often the first medical professional you will see and will direct you to the most appropriate provider for your care. They are specially trained in joint and bone pain and injuries and work closely with orthopaedic surgeons. They perform exams, interpret your results, prescribe medication, and assist in orthopaedic surgery.

Physiatrists
Physiatrists are physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors who specialize in nonsurgical care for conditions that affect your nerves, bones, and muscles. Duke physiatrists have completed additional training in treating sports or spine conditions, depending on their specialty.

Chiropractors
They use manual adjustment and/or manipulation to improve joint mobility in a certain area -- the spine, neck, middle back, lower back, or pelvis. The goal is to reduce muscle tightness or the irritation of nerves that travel down the arm or leg, which can cause numbness or tingling, pain, or even changes in strength. 

Osteopathic Doctors
Duke osteopathic doctors provide a full range of orthopaedic services, from prescribing medicine to performing surgery. They help you prevent and recover from an injury by focusing on a healthy lifestyle.

Orthopaedic Surgeons
They perform general orthopaedic surgery and often specialize in a particular joint, such as the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, and wrist. Our orthopaedic surgeons may undergo additional training in joint replacement surgery, spine surgery, oncology, trauma, pediatrics, or sports medicine. 

Physical Therapists
They provide you with exercises that help you live with your condition, prepare for surgery, or rehabilitate after a procedure.

Sports Medicine Specialists
Trained to care for sports-related injuries, they specialize in the treatment of every level of athlete. They include primary care doctors, physiatrists, physical therapists, and orthopaedic surgeons. They help you recover from or prevent an injury and can work with you to improve your sports performance

Best Orthopaedic Hospital in North Carolina

Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our orthopaedics program is nationally ranked, and the highest-ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2024–2025.

Why Choose Duke

You Benefit from Our Ongoing Research and Innovation

  • Duke Orthopaedics pioneered several surgical breakthroughs, including novel fracture repairs and advanced surgical techniques.
  • We helped develop commonly used ankle, shoulder, and elbow joint prostheses. 
  • Our surgical success is based on decades of ongoing Duke research.
  • We use sophisticated tools to study patient outcomes, measure surgical success, and fine-tune our techniques to ensure you have a variety of options and experience the best outcomes. 

Our Large Surgical Volumes Result in Better Outcomes 
Our expertise and high volume allow us to manage routine and complex care effectively.

Manage Your Health with My Duke Health (previously Duke MyChart)
View test results, make appointments, request prescription refills, and message your doctor from any web-enabled device by using our secure online portal, My Duke Health. Our technology also allows anyone on your care team to securely access your health information, making sure you always get the care that's right for you and based on the latest evidence.

Remote, Written Second Opinion Reports
Get a written second opinion report about your condition from a Duke Health specialist in the comfort of your home. A second opinion can confirm a diagnosis, offer a different diagnosis, provide information about the most advanced treatments available, and ensure confidence in your decisions when faced with a serious medical condition. Learn more about our remote second opinion platform and process.

This page was medically reviewed on 09/11/2023 by