What is Orthopaedics

Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine that deals with conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal system includes muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

What do Orthopaedists Treat

Orthopaedists treat various types of musculoskeletal conditions, such as sports injuries, joint diseases, fractures and orthopaedic pains using surgical and non surgical techniques. The conditions can be congenital or acquired at some time in life. Some common conditions orthopaedists treat are:

• Joint pain from arthritis
• Fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Herniated disc
• Sciatica
• Osteoporosis
• Pinched nerve
• Neuropathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sports injuries, including tendinitis, meniscus tears, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Congenital conditions, such as clubfoot and scoliosis

How are Orthopaedic Conditions Diagnosed

During the first appointment, the orthopaedist will probe the symptoms you are experiencing. He will conduct a thorough physical examination and based on his conclusions, he will ask you to get some imaging tests run. Some tests orthopaedists rely on to make precise diagnosis are

• MRI scan
• CT scan
• Bone scan
• Ultrasound
• Nerve conduction studies
• Blood tests

How are Orthopaedic Conditions Treated

To treat simple cases of fractures or dislocations, the orthopaedist will use techniques like splint, cast or brace. For chronic musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain or arthritis, the orthopaedist recommends one or more of the following treatments:

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications:
For mild to moderate cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to provide relief from pain, swelling, redness and stiffness of joints or bones.

Rehabilitation and physical therapy:
An orthopaedic physiotherapist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect any part of the musculoskeletal system. He suggests exercises and effective ways to regain muscle strength and mobility. He will show you ways to manage the existing injury or condition in order to prevent further injuries.

Orthopaedic Injections:
Orthopaedic injections are administered to deliver medication to a specific area of the body. They effectively eliminate pain by reducing inflammation and provide comfort while performing daily activities.

Mobility aids:
Mobility aids such as walkers, crutches and canes are specially designed to help people with mobility issues. They provide the freedom to move independently. People with disabilities, injuries, or older adults who are at increased risk of falling are asked to use them.

Surgical procedures:
When conventional treatment options fail, the orthopaedist recommends a surgery. The different types of orthopaedic surgical procedures available are:

• Arthroscopy – This is a keyhole surgery, used to evaluate, diagnose and sometimes treat joint disorders. An arthroscope is inserted into the joint via small incisions. The images it shares are used to visualize and treat problem inside the
  joint.
• Arthroplasty- During this procedure, the damaged parts of the joint are removed and an implant is inserted and fixed there. The implant replicates the movement of a healthy joint.
• Repairing bone fractures- The bone/bone fragments are realigned and then secured in place with help of orthopaedic implants such as screws, nails and wires. This method is commonly used while treating fractures like a broken rib, leg, hip, ankle or collar bone.
• Corrective surgery- Surgical procedures like Osteotomy and Fusion surgery are used to correct structural deformities of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine and limbs. Osteotomy involves cutting and repositioning the bone to correct any abnormality. Fusion surgery refers to fusing bones together to allow them to heal as a single rigid unit.