Orthopedics means a type of surgery that is used by specialist doctors, known as orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons, to correct or treat a wide range of deformities with the human bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and spine (known as the musculoskeletal system). The term orthopedics was originally coined in the year 1741 AD by a French doctor named Nicolas Andry, from two Greek words meaning "Straight" and "child". M. Andry wrote a book explaining then-current techniques for correcting or straightening bone problems in children. Although modern orthopedic surgery involves working with adults as well as children, Andry's Greek-inspired name referencing children has stuck around in most European languages, including English.
Modern orthopedics (also spelled 'orthopaedics' in English-speaking countries outside the United States) involves a number of procedures utilizing technological advances, such as a miniature camera known as an 'arthroscope' that can be inserted into a joint to give the orthopedist the most accurate possible picture of its condition. This method has proved to be far more effective in treating most orthopedic problems than the more traditional ones.
Orthopedic problems can result from a variety of causes. Some of these can be hereditary, occuring from birth; others can result from injuries, with a large number of treatments being for sports-related injuries, while still others are the natural effect of the human aging process, such as arthritis. They can also be categorized as either acute (generally including injuries) or chronic (usually the case with age-related symptoms).
Many orthopedic surgeons will specialize in a certain area of treatment for orthopedic conditions, for example, a shoulder or hip specialist. Common treatments include arthroscopic surgery, involving the use of an arthroscope; arthroplasty, or joint replacement; bone grafting; fasciotomy, or tissue cutting; repair of fractured bones; and orthopedic traction, sometimes involving the use of a brace. Orthopedics can be used to treat a huge number of different problems, such as broken or dislocated bones, sprains, strained muscles, and arthritis. It is commonly performed with the use of anesthetics to alleviate pain on the part of the patient; anesthesia can be local, regional, or general. In many cases, an orthopedic surgeon will use prosthetic devices inside the body to hold bones in their correct place for proper healing; this can include steel plates, pins, rods, bolts, screws, and wires, etc. Constant improvements in technology have enabled the development of improved artificial limbs and other materials, and these are expected to further improve in quality in coming years.
Often it is a family physician or general practioner who refers the patient to an orthopedic specialist. The orthopedist will tend to operate out of a specific hospital, medical center, trauma center, or private office, and will have a surgical team including nurses and anesthesiologists. Once there, the patient can expect to undergo a series of tests to determine how to proceed with treatment. This might include x-rays, ct scans, mri scans, myelography, and blood tests. Surgical treatment also typically includes a lengthy period of aftercare or rehabilitation, which generally involves some form of physical therapy.
