orthopedics

orthopedics
/awr'theuh pee"diks/, n.
(used with a sing. v.) the medical specialty concerned with correction of deformities or functional impairments of the skeletal system, esp. the extremities and the spine, and associated structures, as muscles and ligaments.
Also, orthopaedics.
[1850-55; see ORTHOPEDIC, -ICS]

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or orthopedic surgery

Medical specialty concerned with the skeleton and its associated structures.

Orthopedists treat fractures, strained muscles, torn ligaments and tendons, and other injuries and deal with acquired and congenital skeletal deformities and the effects of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. Originally dependent on heavy braces and splints, orthopedics now uses bone grafts, hip and other joint replacements, prostheses (see prosthesis), special footwear, and braces to enhance mobility. Orthopedics uses the techniques of physical medicine and rehabilitation and occupational therapy in addition to those of traditional medicine and surgery.

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also called  orthopedic surgery 

      medical specialty concerned with the preservation and restoration of function of the skeletal system and its associated structures, i.e., spinal and other bones, joints, and muscles.

      Orthopedics began in the 18th century with the pioneering efforts of Jean André Venel, who established an institute in Switzerland for the treatment of crippled children's skeletal deformities. A vastly increased knowledge of muscular functions and of the growth and development of bone was gained in the 19th century. Significant advances at this time were the new operation of tenotomy (the cutting of tendons, which made correcting deformities easier), the surgical correction of clubfoot, the invention of the Thomas splint (which provided better support for fractures of long bones in the limbs), and the introduction of quick-setting plaster of Paris for use in orthopedic bandages. The efforts of Sir Robert Jones and the massive casualties of World War I led to the founding of many orthopedic training centres in the early 20th century.

 Modern orthopedics has extended beyond the treatment of fractures, broken bones, strained muscles, torn ligaments and tendons, and other traumatic injuries to deal with a wide range of acquired and congenital skeletal deformities and with the effects of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. A specialty that originally depended on the use of heavy braces and splints, orthopedics now utilizes bone grafts and artificial plastic joints for the hip and other bones damaged by disease, as well as artificial limbs, special footwear, and braces to return mobility to disabled patients. Orthopedics uses the techniques of physical medicine and rehabilitation and occupational therapy in addition to those of traditional medicine and surgery.
 

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • orthopedics — n. [Ortho + Gr. ?, ?, a child.] (Med.) The art or practice of correcting disorders or deformities of the spine and joints, or, by extension, any deformities of the human body. Syn: orthopaedics, orthopedy. [WordNet 1.5] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Orthopedics — is the study of the musculoskeletal system. The Greek word ortho means straight or correct and pedics comes from the Greek pais meaning children. For many centuries, orthopedists have been involved in the treatment of crippled children.… …   Wikipedia

  • orthopedics — 1853, from ORTHOPEDIC (Cf. orthopedic) …   Etymology dictionary

  • orthopedics — or orthopaedics [ôr΄thə pē′diks] n. [< Fr orthopédique, orthopedic < orthopédie < Gr orthos, straight (see ORTHO ) + paideia, training of children < pais (gen. paidos), child: see PEDO 1] the branch of medicine dealing with the… …   English World dictionary

  • Orthopedics — The branch of surgery broadly concerned with the skeletal system (bones). Orthopedics is how this field of surgery is listed under Physicians & Surgeons in the telephone Yellow Pages in Jacksonville, Florida. This spelling is quite common today.… …   Medical dictionary

  • orthopedics — also orthopaedics noun plural but singular or plural in construction Date: circa 1853 a branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of skeletal deformities, disorders, or injuries • orthopedist noun …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • orthopedics — noun The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention or correction of disorders of the bones and associated muscles and joints …   Wiktionary

  • orthopedics — or|tho|pe|dics also orthopaedics BrE [ˌo:θəˈpi:dıks US ˌo:r ] n [U] the part of medicine that treats illnesses or injuries that affect people s bones or muscles …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • orthopedics — or|tho|pe|dics [ ,ɔrθə pidıks ] noun uncount the part of medicine that deals with the treatment of injuries or diseases affecting bones, muscles, JOINTS, and LIGAMENTS …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • orthopedics — n. branch of surgery dealing with deformities and diseases of the bones and joints,or·tho pe·dics || ‚ɔrθə pɪːdɪks /‚ɔː …   English contemporary dictionary

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