Orthopedic Surgery

From Canonica AI

Overview

Orthopedic surgery is a branch of surgery that deals with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

History

The history of orthopedic surgery has been marked by several key developments and innovations. The term "orthopedics" was coined in 1741 by French physician Nicholas Andry, from the Greek words for "correct" or "straight" (orthos) and "child" (paidion).

A surgeon performing an orthopedic operation.
A surgeon performing an orthopedic operation.

Subspecialties

Orthopedic surgery has several subspecialties, each focusing on specific areas of the musculoskeletal system or certain types of patients. These include:

Procedures

Orthopedic surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, from minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to total joint replacement. Some common orthopedic procedures include:

Education and Training

Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires extensive education and training. After earning a bachelor's degree, prospective orthopedic surgeons must complete four years of medical school, followed by a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery. Some orthopedic surgeons choose to further specialize by completing a fellowship in a specific area of orthopedics, such as sports medicine or spine surgery.

Future of Orthopedic Surgery

The future of orthopedic surgery is likely to be shaped by advances in technology, such as the development of new surgical techniques and tools, improvements in imaging technology, and the growing use of artificial intelligence and robot-assisted surgery.

See Also