What is orthopedics?

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the musculoskeletal system. These parts include the:

• bones

• muscles

• joints

• tendons

• ligaments

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What do Orthopedists do ?

Orthopedists use both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as sports injuries, joint pain, and back problems.

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In general, orthopedists are skilled in the:

• Diagnosis of your injury or disorder

• Treatment with medication, exercise, surgery or other treatment plans

• Rehabilitation by recommending exercises or physical therapy to restore movement, strength and function

• Prevention with information and treatment plans to prevent injury or slow the progression of diseases

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Typically, as much as 50 percent of the orthopedist’s practice is devoted to non-surgical or medical management of injuries or disease and 50 percent to surgical management. Surgery may be needed to restore function lost as a result of injury or disease of bones, joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves or skin.

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