Orthopedics

Skeleto-muscular abnormalities and injuries

Orthopedics(orthopedic surgery) is a surgical branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal abnormalities, injuries, and diseases. Orthopedic surgeons, i.e., orthopedists treat injuries, degenerative diseases, and painful conditions by employing conservative or surgical methods.

Orthopedic surgery covers a wide range of conditions, including bone fractures, joint injuries, sports injuries, spinal and pelvic deformities, arthrosis, rheumatic diseases of the joints, as well as congenital or acquired abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system.

The following are some of the most common diseases and conditions treated by orthopedic surgeons:

• Fractures and dislocations: Orthopedic surgeons treat bone fractures and joint dislocations that may be the result of trauma or caused by other diseases.
• Arthrosis: Arthrosis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage deterioration and joint pain. Orthopedic surgeonsoffer therapeutic options such as physical therapy, pain medication, and,potentially, surgical procedures such as joint replacement.
• Sports injuries: Orthopedic surgeons deal with injuries to the musculoskeletal system resulting from sports activities, including sprains, strains, ruptures of ligaments and tendons, as well as fractures/dislocations.
• Spinal deformities: Orthopedic surgeons treat various spinal deformities such as scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine), kyphosis (increased front-to-back curve of the spine), and lordosis (exaggerated inward curve of the spine).
• Back Pain: Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat various causes of back pain, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, and other degenerative conditions.
• Joint disorders: Orthopedic surgeons treat various joint disorders such as those found in rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus, which can cause inflammation, pain, and limited joint function.
• Bone and soft tissue tumors: Orthopedic surgeons treat benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, including osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, lipoma, and fibroma.

How is an examination by an orthopedic surgeonperformed?

An examination by an orthopedic surgeon usually involves several steps:

Patient history and physical examination: During the doctor-patient consultation, the orthopedic surgeonfirst conducts an interview with the patient in order to learn about the patient’s symptoms, previous injuries or surgeries, and medical history. This is followed by a detailed physical examination to assess the function and structure of the musculoskeletal system.

Radiological examinations: In most cases, the orthopedic surgeon will order radiological examinations such as X-rays, CT, or NMRI to get a more detailed insight into the condition of the bones, joints, soft tissues, or the spine. These tests help with diagnosis and treatment planning.

Laboratory tests: In certain cases, the orthopedic surgeon may request laboratory blood tests or other biochemical analyses to confirm or rule out certain diseases or conditions.

After taking the history, performing a physical examination, and obtaining test results, the orthopedic surgeon will establish a diagnosis and propose a treatment plan. This may include conservative methods such as physical therapy, orthopedic aids, and pain medication, or it may involve surgery, if necessary. After treatment, the orthopedic surgeon will monitor the patient’s progress and recommend physical rehabilitation to improve the function and mobility of the musculoskeletal system.