What Is Orthopedic Medicine?
What Is Orthopedic Medicine?
Thu Sep 22 2022Orthopedic medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, and muscles. Orthopedic surgeons are physicians who have completed specialized training in this field.
Orthopedic medicine dates back to ancient times, when Hippocrates (c. 460-377 BC), the father of medicine, first described the treatment of fractures. Orthopedic surgery began to develop as a distinct specialty in the 19th century. The first orthopedic hospital was established in New York City 142 years ago.
Today, orthopedic medicine is a rapidly growing field. It uses surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat various conditions, from simple fractures to complex spine problems.
Orthopedic surgeons use different techniques, including joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery, and bone grafting. They also often work with other specialists, such as physical therapists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans for their patients.
You may benefit from orthopedic care if you have been injured or are experiencing pain in your bones, joints, or muscles. An orthopedic surgeon can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment options.
What are orthopedic surgeons?
Orthopedic surgeons are physicians with specialized training in diagnosing and treating bones, joints, and muscle disorders. They use both surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Orthopedic surgeons often work with other specialists to customize comprehensive treatment plans for each patient.
What training do physicians have to undergo to be considered orthopedic surgeons?
To be considered an orthopedic surgeon, a physician must complete a four-year undergraduate degree before entering medical school for four years. They must then complete a five-year orthopedic surgery residency program. After completing their residency, many orthopedic surgeons choose to complete a fellowship in a subspecialty of orthopedics, such as sports medicine or pediatrics.What do orthopedists treat?
Orthopedists often work with patients suffering from injuries or chronic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Some of the most common conditions that orthopedists treat include- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Sports injuries
- Congenital disabilities
- Osteoporosis
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Sprains and strains
Types of operations orthopedists can perform
Operations that orthopedists commonly perform include:- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a tiny camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision. It allows the orthopedist to visualize the inside of the joint and repair any damage.
- Joint replacement: This surgery involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one. Usually done when other treatment options, such as medications or physical therapy, have failed to relieve pain and restore function.
- Fusion: This surgery involves joining two or more bones to stabilize joints damaged by arthritis or trauma.
- Osteotomy: This surgery involves cutting and realigning a bone to correct deformities or improve alignment. It is often used to treat hip dysplasia and bowed legs.
- Soft tissue surgery involves repairing tendons, ligaments, or muscles to treat sports injuries or relieve pain from conditions such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Bone grafting: This surgery involves using bone from another part of the body or a donor to replace missing or damaged bone. It is often done to repair trauma, cancer, or infection damage.