Many injuries and disorders that involve the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments require surgery. The question is what type of surgery is required, because there are ...

Many injuries and disorders that involve the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments require surgery. The question is what type of surgery is required, because there are different types of surgery, and there is a specific type of surgeon that deals with a type of surgery. It is possible for a single patient to undergo several types of procedures, and each procedure may require a dedicated physician. One of the types of surgeons performs key roles in treatment and management of bone or muscle injuries and disorders. He is called an orthopedic surgeon.

Orthopedic surgery is a branch of surgery that is concerned with the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. In this field of medicine, it is important to discuss the skeletal and muscular systems of the human body. These systems are often referred to as musculoskeletal system, a fusion of the body抯 framework and the skeletal muscles. Together the bones and muscles give you form, motion, and stability.

A problem with any portion of the musculoskeletal system affects a person抯 movement and, in turn, his quality of life. This problem can be due to an injury or a disorder. The field of orthopedics embraces so many injuries and disorders, many of which may require surgery as part of the treatment process. This surgery is referred to as orthopedic surgery, and this becomes necessary in cases of trauma, injuries, degenerative disorders, tumors, and congenital defects.

Orthopedics is not a new field in medicine. Although advancements in medical technology has provided novel ways to deal with fractures and bone deformities, the basic concept of orthopedics dates back more than 300 years ago. In 1780, the first medical institute that performed orthopedic care was established, and this medical facility dealt with deformities in children. The orthopedic practice was commonplace in battlefields, where injured soldiers would need treatment and rehabilitation. Traction and splints, the first-aid devices, were first used in areas of battle. Today, these techniques are still seen. In fact, these are considered basic techniques in orthopedic surgery, particularly in cases of bone fractures.

There are different types of patients seeking orthopedic care. They range from those with minor injuries to those needing serious and immediate attention. Many patients can get by with physical therapy. Others need invasive procedures like knee reconstruction and hip replacement surgery. Rehabilitation does not end inside the operating room. Patients are often advised to go through lifestyle modification to keep a disorder from progressing or to protect the injured area while under recovery. Some of the common orthopedic procedures are knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy, carpal tunnel release, knee replacement, femoral neck fracture repair, and debridement of tissue.

Research has played a major part in orthopedic surgery. New technology is being developed to improve equipment and devices used in orthopedic procedures. The field has come a long way in terms of facilities available today and techniques to hasten recovery among patients. Medical advancements have lessened the need for invasive surgery. Orthopedic operations can now be done without exposing much tissue. This is possible with the use of tubes. Less invasive procedures hasten the recovery time of patients.