Orthopedic Surgery
From Halbeeg, the open encyclopedia · Af-Soomaali
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Orthopedic surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
Orthopedic specialists employ two broad approaches: conservative treatment (medication, immobilization/splinting, rehabilitation and physical therapy) and surgical treatment (reduction of fractures, use of plates and screws, joint replacement). Choice of method depends on the type of injury, the patient's age and the functional demands of recovery.
Scope of practice
Common conditions treated include fractures from trauma, joint stiffness, soft tissue injuries (for example, ligament tears), degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis), curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and bone tumors. The specialty also addresses congenital conditions affecting the limbs and pelvis in children.
Subspecialties
Over time the specialty has divided into subspecialties: trauma surgery, joint replacement (arthroplasty), spine surgery, pediatric orthopedics, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine and bone tumor surgery.
Instrumentation and technology
X-ray imaging remains the most widely used diagnostic tool; CT and MRI are employed when evaluating soft tissues. Arthroscopy, a form of minimally invasive surgery, allows the surgeon to insert a small camera into a joint to visualize and repair it without large incisions. Prosthetic joints and limbs are manufactured from metal and plastic components.
History and terminology
The name derives from two Greek words: orthos (straight) and paidion (child), originally denoting the correction of bodily deformities in children. Later the specialty expanded to treat patients of all ages, particularly after the development of anesthesia, surgical sterility and antibiotics.