Orthopaedic

Orthopaedics, also spelled orthopaedic in British English, is a medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and the spine. Practitioners provide care across all ages, from congenital conditions in children to degenerative diseases in adults.

It covers traumatic injuries such as fractures, sports injuries, congenital and developmental disorders, infections, tumors, and degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. Treatments range from nonoperative approaches—physical therapy, medications, injections, and bracing—to surgical interventions when needed.

Common procedures include joint replacement (arthroplasty), fracture fixation, arthroscopic surgery, spinal fusion and decompression, osteotomies, and bone grafting. Advances in imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and biologic therapies have improved outcomes and recovery times.

Training typically involves medical school followed by residency in orthopaedic surgery and board certification or equivalent credentials, with ongoing education throughout a surgeon’s career. The term orthopaedic reflects Greek roots meaning straight and child, highlighting historical focus on correcting pediatric deformities; today the field serves patients of all ages and includes subspecialties such as pediatric orthopaedics, trauma, spine, and sports medicine.