An orthopedic surgeon treats injuries and illnesses of the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, nerves and cartilage through surgery and other treatments like prescribing medication. They diagnose conditions like strains, sprains, stress fractures and tendonitis. To become an orthopedic surgeon requires obtaining a high school diploma, bachelor's degree, medical degree, completing an internship and multi-year residency. The average annual salary for an orthopedic surgeon is $181,850 with expected job growth of 22% between 2008-2018, faster than average.