Orthopedics is a specialization in medicine which deals with
the disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It is often referred to as a
necessary medicinal branch, which is inevitable, to correct structural
deformities, restore functionalities and alleviate pain from injuries,
accidents, wars, etc. The term "orthopedics" was coined by Nicholas Andry in
1741. Jean-Andre Venel is considered as the father of orthopedics; he started
the first orthopedic institute. Orthopedics includes surgical and non surgical
treatments for acute, chronic, traumatic, overuse injuries and congenital
deformities.
Orthopedics is practiced by qualified physicians who have
undergone training in orthopedic surgery. Orthopedics’ principles rely on
hygienic practices and scientific techniques. It focuses on methods to regain
functionality of an impaired organ in the shortest time, in the safest
possible way. There are sub-specializations in orthopedics which include hand
surgery; shoulder and elbow surgery; total joint reconstruction (arthroplasty);
pediatric orthopedics; foot and ankle surgery; spine surgery; musculoskeletal
oncology; surgical sports medicine; etc.
Orthopedic surgeons use X-ray as their main diagnostic tool.
An X-ray reveals the actual condition of the impaired structure. Common
disorders include fractures, dislocations, arthritis, congenital deformities,
etc. Plaster of Paris cast is commonly used to cure fractures. The important
treatments in orthopedics include knee arthroscopy, menisectomy, shoulder
arthroscopy, carpal tunnel release, chondroplasty, anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction, knee replacement, repair of femoral neck fracture, débridement
of skin/muscle/bone/fracture, hip replacement, distal clavicle excision,
repair of rotator cuff tendon, repair fracture of radius (bone)/ulna,
laminectomy, repair of ankle fracture, lumbar spinal fusion, repair fracture
of the distal part of radius low back intervertebral disc surgery, incise
finger tendon sheath, repair of femoral shaft fracture, repair of trochanteric
fracture, etc. Arthroscopy, artificial replacement of hip and knee, has become
a very popular treatment option of orthopedics.
