ortopædisk

Ortopædisk is a medical discipline focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and the spine. The term originates from Greek roots meaning straight and has historically referred to correcting deformities in children, though modern ortopædisk medicine covers patients of all ages and a broad range of conditions.

Practice areas include trauma and fractures, degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, congenital and pediatric disorders, spine diseases, and sports injuries. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and imaging, including X-ray, MRI, and CT. Treatments range from non-surgical methods (physical therapy, bracing, pharmacotherapy) to surgical procedures such as internal fixation with plates and screws, joint replacement, arthrodesis, osteotomies, and spine instrumentation. Rehabilitation and postoperative care are integral parts of outcomes.

Subspecialties commonly recognized within ortopædisk medicine include trauma and fracture surgery, spine surgery, pediatric orthopedics, hand and upper extremity surgery, foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine, and orthopedic oncology (tumor). In many countries, including Denmark and other Nordic regions, orthopaedics is a hospital-based specialty requiring medical education, residency training, and board certification.

Historical note: the term orthopaedia was coined in the 18th century by Nicolas Andry of Lyon to describe the correction of deformities in children.