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5 Facts You Should Know About Orthopedics

The Advanced Physicians Team • Feb 01, 2022

5 Facts You Should Know About Orthopedics



Orthopedics is a medical specialty that cares for the musculoskeletal system, the ligaments, tendons, bones, muscles, and joints that facilitate everyday movement. Orthopedic specialists collaborate with a team of other health practitioners, such as physical and occupational therapists, to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Here are five facts about this in-demand branch of medicine:



1. Orthopedics Is an Ancient Art

Ancient Orthopedics

Although there is little evidence to support the use of orthopedics in primitive societies, the available fossil evidence suggests the early adoption of splints and rehabilitation practices to treat fractures.


Successive civilizations developed creative ways to treat orthopedics injuries. For instance, the Shoshone Indians (700-2000 BC) made splints of wet skin. Similarly, some South Australian tribes fashioned splints from clay.


Ancient Egyptians made splints from various materials, including cloth-filled straws and bamboo. The Greeks wrote extensively on fractures and dislocations and even recognized Scoliosis as a disease but were not very successful in its treatment.


The recent history of Orthopedics goes back to the 18th century, although it was primarily concerned with correcting deformities in children. By the 19th century, doctors in military hospitals practiced fracture treatment and bone setting. Orthopedics procedures have since advanced to feature less-invasive treatments with better outcomes.

2. Orthopedic Doctors Don’t Always Recommend Surgery

Some people hesitate to consult Orthopedic practitioners because they think surgery is their only treatment. However, orthopedic doctors try to treat musculoskeletal issues in the least-invasive method possible. Just because an orthopedic surgeon can perform surgery doesn’t mean they will.


Some conservative treatments recommended by orthopedic doctors include epidural steroid injections, physical therapy and rehabilitation, chiropractic care, mobility aids, and home exercise programs.


However, surgery may be necessary for serious situations like torn bicep muscles, a ligament or bone that has torn away entirely from the bone, vertebral fractures, or severe nerve impingement. The kinds of operations performed by orthopedic surgeons include:

  • Joint replacement
  • Arthroscopy
  • Osteotomy
  • Fusion
  • Internal fixation
  • Soft tissue repair



3. Orthopedic Surgeons Don’t Have to Specialize

Sport Orthopedics

The field of orthopedics has become very broad and now includes numerous specialty areas. Once a doctor completes their residency in orthopedic surgery, they may pursue a one- or two-year fellowship in the following subspecialties:


  • Hand surgery
  • Sports medicine
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Spine surgery
  • Oncology
  • Joint replacement
  • Foot and Ankle Orthopedics

However, orthopedic doctors don't have to specialize and diagnose and treat various musculoskeletal injuries.

INTERESTED IN ORTHOPEDICS? - REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT


4. Orthopedic Practitioners Physicians Help You Manage Pain

Pain is the primary reason people visit orthopedic doctors. The health practitioners treat various musculoskeletal conditions that cause pain, including those that affect the knees, shoulders, wrists, back, hips, and other body parts.


Additionally, orthopedic doctors can boost your range of motion through non-surgical treatment, physical therapy, or surgery. Pain and stiffness in the joints commonly reduce the range of motion and complicate everyday tasks like showering and driving.


Orthopedic specialists treat the musculoskeletal injuries affecting your mobility and enhance your quality of life. If you are an athlete, an orthopedic doctor can help you optimize your performance and prevent future injury.



5. Orthopedic Specialists Are Well-Trained

Orthopedic Surgeons

The field of Orthopedics has a lengthy period of training, and the typical orthopedic doctor completes about 14 years of post-secondary schooling. After earning their degrees, the surgeon attends a five-year residency program. Further, the doctor can specialize in a particular area and spend more time in a fellowship program. Thus, you are in well-capable hands when you see an Orthopedic surgeon.


Orthopedic Care at Advanced Physicians

Our specialists excel in diagnosing, treating, and preventing orthopedic injuries and conditions. We facilitate rehabilitation among patients with musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, arthritis, torn ligaments, and bone fractures to reduce pain and discomfort. Our Orthopedic practitioners will customize a treatment plan that may include exercise, mobility aids, injections, or lifestyle changes.


Contact us at Advanced Physicians today if you would benefit from reduced pain and an improved range of motion.

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