Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics (spelt orthopaedic surgery and orthopaedics in Commonwealth countries and Ireland) is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.
Orthopedic surgery is the medical specialty that encompasses the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and conditions. Orthopedic surgeons treat a variety of problems in all ages of patients.
Arthroscopy
The use of arthroscopic techniques has been particularly important for injured joints. Arthroscopy was pioneered in the early 1950s by Dr. Masaki Watanabe of Japan to perform minimally invasive cartilage surgery and reconstructions of torn ligaments. Arthroscopy helped patients recover from the surgery in a matter of days, rather than the weeks to months required by conventional, 'open' surgery. Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common operations performed by orthopedic surgeons today. |
