 Since its origins, specialists in orthopaedics have treated children suffering
from spine and limb deformities. The Greek roots of orthopaedics are ortho (straight)
and pais (child). Early orthopaedists often used braces or other forms of treatment
to make the child "straight".
From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
Orthopaedics is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment,
rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of your body's musculoskeletal
system. This complex system includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles
and nerves and allows you to move, work and be active.
Once devoted to the care of children with spine and limb deformities, orthopaedics
now cares for patients of all ages, from newborns with clubfeet to young athletes
requiring arthroscopic surgery to older people with arthritis. And anybody can
break a bone.
Your orthopaedist:
Your orthopaedist manages special problems of the many regions of the musculoskeletal
system.
Your orthopaedist is skilled in the:
- Diagnosis of your injury or disorder
- Treatment with medication, exercise, surgery or other treatment plans
- Rehabilitation by recommending exercises or physical therapy to restore movement,
strength and function
- Prevention with information and treatment plans to prevent injury or slow the
progression of diseases.
While most orthopaedists practice general orthopaedics, some may specialize
in treating the foot, hand, shoulder, spine, hip, knee, and others in pediatrics,
trauma or sports medicine. Some orthopaedists may specialize in several areas.
Your orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor with extensive training in the
proper diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal
system. Your orthopaedist completed up to 14 years of formal education.
- Four years of study in a college or university
- Four years of study in medical school
- Five years of study in orthopaedic residency at a major medical center
- One optional year of specialized education
After establishing a licensed practice, your orthopaedic surgeon demonstrated
mastery of orthopaedic knowledge by passing both oral and written examinations
given by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Each year your orthopaedist spends many hours studying and attending continuing
medical education courses to maintain current orthopaedic knowledge and skills.
Treatment:
Orthopaedic patients have benefited from technological advances such as joint
replacement and the arthroscope that allows the orthopaedist to look inside a
joint. But your visit will start with a personal interview and physical examination.
This may be followed by diagnostic tests such as blood tests, X-rays, or other
tests.
Your treatment may involve medical counseling, medications, casts, splints,
and therapies such as exercise, or surgery. For most orthopaedic diseases and
injuries there is more than one form of treatment. Your orthopaedist will discuss
the treatment options with you and help you select the best treatment plan to
enable you to live an active and functional life.
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