What is orthopaedic surgery?

Orthopedic surgery, also known as orthopedics or orthopedic surgery, is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Musculoskeletal refers to the body’s musculature (muscles), skeleton (bones), ligaments, tendons, and joints. Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in this field and are trained to treat a wide range of orthopedic issues. Here’s a detailed explanation of orthopedic surgery:

Scope of Orthopedic Surgery:

Orthopedic surgery covers a broad spectrum of conditions and procedures, including but not limited to:

• Joint Replacement: Orthopedic surgeons perform total joint replacement surgeries for hips, knees, shoulders, and other joints. These procedures involve replacing damaged or arthritic joint surfaces with artificial implants to relieve pain and restore function.

• Fracture Care: Orthopedic surgeons set and stabilize broken bones using techniques such as casting, splinting, and surgical fixation with plates, screws, or rods.

• Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive surgical technique involves using small incisions and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat joint problems, such as torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, and joint infections.

• Spine Surgery: Orthopedic spine surgeons address conditions of the spine, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and degenerative disc disease. Procedures may include spinal fusion, decompression, and the use of spinal instrumentation.

• Sports Medicine: Orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine treat athletes and physically active individuals with sports-related injuries, including ligament tears, tendonitis, and stress fractures.

• Pediatric Orthopedics: Pediatric orthopedic surgeons focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions in children, such as congenital deformities, growth plate injuries, and developmental hip dysplasia.

• Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery: This specialty involves treating conditions of the hand, wrist, and upper extremities, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, and congenital hand deformities.

• Foot and Ankle Surgery: Orthopedic surgeons specializing in foot and ankle care address issues such as bunions, Achilles tendon injuries, and ankle arthritis.

• Orthopedic Oncology: Orthopedic oncologists treat bone and soft tissue tumors, both benign and malignant, using surgical techniques to remove tumors while preserving function.

Orthopedic Surgical Procedures:

Orthopedic surgery encompasses various surgical techniques, including but not limited to:

• Open Surgery: Traditional surgical methods involving larger incisions, suitable for complex cases like joint replacements and spine surgeries.

• Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedures using small incisions and a camera-equipped scope to visualize and treat joint problems.

• Fracture Fixation: Using surgical hardware (plates, screws, nails, or rods) to align and stabilize broken bones for proper healing.

• Soft Tissue Repair: Procedures to repair damaged ligaments, tendons, and muscles, often performed in cases of sports injuries or rotator cuff tears.

• Joint Reconstruction: Reconstructive surgeries to repair or replace damaged joints, improving mobility and reducing pain.

• Fusion: Spinal fusion procedures to stabilize and fuse vertebrae together to treat conditions like degenerative disc disease or scoliosis.

Orthopedic Surgery Training:

Orthopedic surgeons undergo extensive training, which includes:

• A four-year undergraduate degree
• Four years of medical school
• Five years of orthopedic residency training
• Optional subspecialty fellowship training (e.g., spine surgery, sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics)

Orthopedic surgeons are board-certified, and many choose to become members of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

In summary, orthopedic surgery is a medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Orthopedic surgeons play a vital role in restoring mobility, relieving pain, and improving the overall quality of life for patients with a wide range of orthopedic issues.