Orthopedics

Orthopedics, specialty within surgery dealing with bone and soft-tissue disease, damage, and deformity. Its name derives from 17th-century treatments designed to produce “straight children.” Treatment of congenital deformity, fractures and tumors of bone, osteomyelitis, arthritis, and joint dislocation are commonly treated by orthopedic professionals. Methods range from the use of splints, physiotherapy, and manipulation, to surgical correction of deformity, the fixing of fractures, and the refashioning or replacement of joints. Suture and transposition of tendons, muscles, and nerves are also performed.