ortopedice

Orthopedics, also called orthopaedics in British English, is the medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. The field covers both traumatic injuries and chronic conditions, and serves patients of all ages.

The term derives from Greek orthos ("straight") and paideia ("rearing of children"), reflecting early aims to correct deformities in children; modern orthopedics treats patients across the lifespan. The modern specialty began with physicians such as Nicolas Andry, who popularized the term in the 18th century, and evolved with advances in imaging, anesthesia, fixation techniques, and prosthetics.

Practice combines nonoperative and operative care. Nonoperative treatment includes rest, immobilization, physical therapy, bracing, and medical management. Operative care comprises fracture reduction and internal fixation, joint replacement (arthroplasty), arthroscopic procedures, spine surgery (fusion and instrumentation), limb-lengthening, and treatment of tumors or congenital deformities. Subspecialties include trauma, pediatric orthopedics, spine, hip and knee, hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, and sports medicine.

Education and certification vary by country but generally require medical school, a residency in orthopedics, and often fellowship training. Orthopedic surgeons and allied clinicians work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, emphasizing multidisciplinary care and rehabilitation to restore function and mobility. Ongoing research in biomechanics, regenerative medicine, implants, and robotic-assisted techniques continues to shape the field.