Orthopedic

Orthopedics is the branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes key components like bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. A medical professional who specializes in this field is referred to as an orthopedist.

 

Orthopedists address musculoskeletal problems using both surgical and nonsurgical techniques, which can include sports injuries, back pain, and joint discomfort.

This article gives a summary of the field of orthopedics. It details various conditions that orthopedists manage and describes what someone can anticipate during an orthopedic visit.

 

Additionally, the article discusses the educational requirements needed to become an orthopedist.

What is orthopedics?

Orthopedics, sometimes referred to as orthopedic surgery, is a medical field that deals with the treatment of the skeleton and its associated components. These components consist of:

  • bones
  • muscles
  • joints
  • tendons
  • ligaments
  • nerves

 

Orthopedists typically fall into two main categories: surgical and nonsurgical. The surgical physicians are known as orthopedic surgeons, while nonsurgical practitioners may include physiatrists and specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

An orthopedist usually collaborates with a multidisciplinary orthopedic treatment team, which may involve:

- physician assistants
- nurse practitioners
- physical and occupational therapists
- athletic trainers

 
 

What do orthopedists treat? 

Orthopedists manage a broad range of musculoskeletal issues. Some of these problems can be congenital, while others may arise due to injuries or the natural aging process.

 

Here are several common conditions that an orthopedist might treat:

- joint pain due to arthritis
- fractures in bones
- injuries to soft tissues, which involve muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- pain in the back
- pain in the neck
- shoulder discomfort, including conditions like bursitis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- injuries from overuse and sports, such as sprains, tendinitis, meniscus tears, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- congenital issues like clubfoot and scoliosis
- bone cancer