What is orthopedic surgery?

Orthopedic surgery deals with problems of the spine and the extremities. An orthopedic surgeon diagnoses and treats patients whose musculoskeletal problems include arthritis, trauma and congenital deformities. He or she also works with patients who have traumatic and overuse injuries. Using both surgical and non-surgical means, the orthopedic surgeon will treat injuries and degenerative problems of the spine and extremities, such as hands, feet, knees, shoulders and elbows.  more

Sometimes referred to as simply orthopedics, orthopedic surgery is the collective term for any type of procedure that has to do with the musculoskeletal system. While referred to as surgery, not all treatment methods involve the use of invasive surgery. An orthopedic physician may utilize combinations of skeletal manipulation, muscle rubs and medication as well as surgery in order to alleviate suffering and help the individual regain a reasonable state of health. Orthopedic surgery or treatments cover a wide range of ailments and conditions. In some cases, an orthopedic doctor will be addressing trauma to some area of the skeletal system, such as the legs, ankles, or back. The orthopedist may be called upon to deal with infections that are causing pressure or strain on the muscles or bones of an individual. An orthopedic surgeon may be required when some type of degenerative disease or a tumor has invaded the muscle system or is causing ones to begin deteriorating. Different nations ...  more

Orthopedics is the branch of surgery which deals essentially with bones and other bone-related structures. Most of the orthopedic surgery performed follows traumatic accidents (falls, motor vehicle accidents, twisting injuries and the like), but other surgeries include correction of congenital and developmental limb deformities.  more