By Chelsea Evans


Orthopedics is a term that refers to the surgical specialty involving the treatment of various bone conditions and diseases. Although doctors have attempted to treat deformed or broken bones and associated diseases for several centuries, orthopedics as a modern specialty has primarily evolved throughout the 20th century. Orthopedic appliances are devices that are used to assist individuals with the aforementioned disorders to have a better quality of life.

The term orthopedics is a combination of two Greek words: orthos and paideia. The latter refers to children and the former means to straighten. It is believed that this may be evidence that the first orthopedic doctors primarily practiced on children, possibly because of the tendency of children to experience injuries such as broken bones.

Doctor Jean-Andre Venel established the first orthopedic institute in seventeen eighty. The establishment primarily dealt with abnormalities of the skeletal system in children. He is regarded by certain individuals as the first surgeon in the orthopedic field.

In 1803, orthopedics was first introduced as a specialty by a French doctor named Nicholas Andry. This doctor primarily treated children's bone abnormalities, but also dedicated research to restoring individuals with injured or broken bones to their previous state. Additionally, Andry devoted a considerable amount of time to researching ways to prevent bone deformities in youngsters. His studies are commonly believed to have initiated what is now referred to as orthopedics.

In 1851, the first plaster of Paris cast was utilized. It was invented by Antonius Mathysen, a Dutch military surgeon. Germany's Gerhard Kuntscher invented the use of something called intramedullary rods, which were used to help heal femur and tibia fractures. Procedures of this type made a considerable difference in how quickly injured soldiers recovered throughout the second world war. In 1960, Sir John Charnley, an English scientist, first introduced joint replacement surgery to the world, and approximately 25 years later, such surgeries were the most common orthopedic procedures performed.

Today's modern orthopedists treat bone-related diseases and bone fractures. Orthopedists also treat those who are suffering from arthritis or sports injuries. Although trained and licensed as surgeons, orthopedists use both surgical and nonsurgical procedures, and teach patients preventative measures.

The casework of all bone surgeons is reviewed by the American Board of Orthopedics for the purpose of gathering statistical facts. As of 2008, knee replacement surgery was the most frequently performed orthopedic procedure, followed by cartilage surgery, otherwise known as knee and shoulder arthroscopy, carpal tunnel procedures, and corrective surgery focused on the repair of hip or thigh bone fractures. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011 bone surgery took the lead in front of all other surgical specialties. This may indicate that the presence of joint diseases and disorders is on the rise.

Those in need of orthopedic appliances are wise to avail themselves of the services of a qualified, licensed professional. Although some devices of this kind can be bought without a prescription, speaking to a specialist prior to selecting such an item is in one's best interest. Individuals suffering from joint or bone abnormalities or similar problems should seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner without delay.




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