Orthopaedic Surgery

Site Index

Overview of Orthopaedics / The Orthopaedic Team

Common Orthopaedic Disorders

Evaluation Procedures

Treatment Plans

Sports Injuries

Glossary

Online Resources

The word orthopaedic, sometimes spelled orthopedic, comes from two Greek words: Picture of a elderly man adjusting his bicycle tire

  • ortho meaning straight
  • paedia meaning children

Orthopaedics is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases, injuries, and conditions of the musculoskeletal system - relating to the body's muscles and skeleton, and including the joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

The proper title of this medical specialty is orthopaedic surgery, although orthopaedics is a generally accepted term.

Orthopaedic surgery is made up of physicians and other healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive orthopaedic services. Their expertise provides treatment and care of diseases, injuries, fractures, and pain. Orthopaedists also design rehabilitation programs for the physically disabled and participate in ongoing musculoskeletal research.