What Is Orthopaedics or Orthopaedic Surgery?
Orthopaedics or orthopaedic surgery is a branch of medical specialty that provides treatment for injuries and diseases of our body’s musculoskeletal system (AAOS, 2022). This complex system, which includes our bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, enables us to move, work, and be active.
Medical treatment provided by an Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Main jobs of orthopaedic surgeons are to treat problems of the musculoskeletal system (AAOS, 2022),
- Diagnosis of injury or disorder in the body,
- Treatment with medication, injections, casting, bracing, surgery, or other options,
- Rehabilitation by recommending exercises or physical therapy to restore movement, strength, and function,
- Prevention with information and treatment plans to prevent injury or slow the progression of disease.
Orthopaedic Subspecialties
The orthopaedic surgeons know about all aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Many orthopaedists specialize in certain areas, such as (AAOS, 2022):
- Foot and ankle
- Hand and wrist
- Hip replacement and reconstruction
- Knee replacement and reconstruction
- Orthopaedic oncology (bone tumors)
- Orthopaedic trauma
- Pediatric orthopaedic surgery
- Shoulder and elbow
- Spine
- Sports medicine
Some orthopaedic surgeons may have training and knowledge in multiple specialties. Several different types of specialists may treat the same conditions. For instance, sports medicine surgeons, shoulder and elbow surgeons, and hand and wrist surgeons all perform surgery on the elbow (AAOS, 2022).
References
AAOS, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2022. What is an Orthopaedic Surgeon? Last accessed on 11/11/2022. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/orthopaedics/