Definition, Scope, and History of Orthopedic Surgery
- Orthopedic surgery is a branch of surgery that focuses on conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.
- Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.
- The discipline was initially developed with attention to children, but it now covers spinal and bone deformities in all stages of life.
- Orthopedic surgeons work in hospitals and clinics.
- The education required to become an orthopedic surgeon includes a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.), Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), or Doctor of Osteopathic medicine (D.O.).
- The spelling of orthopedics can vary, with some using the spelling 'orthopaedics' and others using 'orthopedics.'
- Orthopedic surgery has its roots in the Middle Ages, where bandages soaked in horse's blood were used as splints.
- The term 'orthopedics' was coined by Nicolas Andry in 1741 in the first textbook on the subject.
- Jean-André Venel established the first orthopedic institute in 1780, dedicated to treating children's skeletal deformities.
- Advances in surgical technique during the 18th century expanded treatment options.
- Antonius Mathijsen invented the plaster of Paris cast in 1851, revolutionizing orthopedic treatment.
- Hugh Owen Thomas and Robert Jones played significant roles in the development of modern orthopedic surgery.
- Gerhard Küntscher pioneered the use of intramedullary rods to treat fractures.
- Sir John Charnley developed the modern total hip replacement in the 1960s.
Advancements in Orthopedic Surgery
- The Charnley low-friction arthroplasty and its derivative designs were the most-used hip replacement systems for over two decades.
- The Exeter hip replacement system, with a slightly different stem geometry, was developed around the same time.
- Continuous improvements have been made in the design and technique of hip implants.
- Intramedullary fixation without opening up the fracture became popular in the late 1970s.
- Orthopedic surgery continues to advance with new technologies, techniques, and materials.
Training and Specialization in Orthopedic Surgery
- Completion of four years of undergraduate education and four years of medical school.
- Residency training in orthopedic surgery, typically lasting five years.
- Selection for residency training is highly competitive.
- Fellowship training in orthopedic sub-specialties, lasting one to two years.
- Board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists.
Specific Procedures in Orthopedic Surgery
- Arthroscopy, pioneered by Masaki Watanabe, allows for faster recovery compared to open surgery.
- Arthroplasty is the replacement, remodeling, or realignment of the articular surface of a joint.
- Knee replacements developed by McIntosh, Gunston, Marmor, Insall, Buechel, and Pappas.
- Joint replacements available for other joints such as hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, spine, and fingers.
- Surface replacement of joints, particularly the hip, is becoming more popular among younger and active patients.
Future of Orthopedic Surgery and Epidemiology
- Focus on decreasing prescription of opioids while providing adequate pain control.
- Continued research and development to make surgery less invasive and improve implant durability.
- Collaboration with other medical specialties for comprehensive patient care.
- Emphasis on evidence-based practices and outcomes research.
- Integration of technology and innovation in orthopedic surgical techniques and procedures.
- Prevalence of musculoskeletal procedures in the U.S increased from 17.9% to 24.2% between 2001 and 2016.
- Spine and joint procedures were common in all age groups except infants in a 2012 study.
- Spinal fusion, laminectomy, knee arthroplasty, and hip replacement were among the top procedures for various age groups.
Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics (alternatively spelt orthopaedics) is the branch of surgery concerned 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.
| Orthopedics | |
|---|---|
 This fracture of the lower cervical vertebrae is one of the conditions treated by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. | |
| MeSH | D019637 |
| Occupation | |
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| Names |
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Occupation type | Specialty |
Activity sectors | Medicine, Surgery |
| Description | |
Education required |
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Fields of employment | Hospitals, Clinics |
