Orthopedics

What is orthopedics

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the musculoskeletal system. This system is made up of muscles and bones, as well as joints, ligaments, and tendons.

A person who specializes in orthopedics is known as an orthopedist. Orthopedists use both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as sports injuries, joint pain, and back problems.

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the skeletal system and its interconnecting parts. These parts include the:

  • Bones
  • Muscles
  • Joints
  • Tendons
  • Ligaments

An orthopedist often works as part of a larger orthopedic treatment team. This team may include:

  • Physician assistants
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Occupational and physical therapists
  • Athletic trainers

What do orthopedists treat?

An orthopedist may specialize in a particular branch of orthopedic medicine. These branches are called subspecialties.

  • Hand and upper extremity
  • Foot and ankle
  • Musculoskeletal oncology (tumor)
  • Pediatric orthopedics
  • Sports medicine
  • Spine surgery
  • Trauma surgery
  • Joint replacement surgery

Operations an orthopedic surgeons perform?

  • Total joint replacement
  • Arthroscopic surgery
  • Fracture repair surgery
  • Bone grafting surgery
  • Spinal fusion