SPU Medical Faculty English 3 What Is Orthopedics? M.A.Kubtan MD - FRCS

Orthopedics Defined: In a nutshell, the study and research of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, nerves, etc.) is known as orthopedics. Orthopedics was first developed to treat children who had crippling or debilitating diseases. In fact the word “orthopedic” is derived from the Greek words “ortho,” meaning straight, and “pais,” meaning children or pediatric. Modern orthopedic physicians treat everyone, no matter their age. In general chronic pain, rheumatic diseases, musculoskeletal injuries and arthritis all are part of the large umbrella orthopedics. M.A.Kubtan2

3 While there are many general orthopedists, quite a few physicians specialize in specific parts of the anatomy or certain diseases. Inside the big umbrella of orthopedics there are a number of specialties including:

M.A.Kubtan4 Arthritis and osteoarthritis Arthritis and osteoarthritis Injury care including fractures Injury care including fractures Joint replacement surgery Joint replacement surgery Rheumatology Pain management Sports medicine Back & Spine Surgery Hand Surgery Hip Injuries& Replacement Hip Injuries Replacement Shoulder Injuries& Replacement Shoulder Injuries Replacement Foot & Ankle Surgery Physical and Occupational Therapy Physical Occupational Therapy

When To See An Orthopedic Physician Many people wonder if they should visit an orthopedic specialist or go to their primary care doctor. There are some specific times that it may speed recovery time to visit the orthopedist directly. Anytime that that there is a suspected traumatic or repetitive motion injury to a bone, joint, tendon or nerve an orthopedic doctor is your best choice for treatment. If the patient is experiencing chronic joint or bone pain, diagnosed with a rheumatic disease, or have arthritis an orthopedic specialist is an important part of treatment. M.A.Kubtan5

Orthopedic Surgeon Overview An orthopedic surgeon, or orthopaedic surgeon, is a surgeon who has been educated and trained in the diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. surgeon Orthopedic surgeons work closely with other health care providers and often serve as consultants to other physicians. Orthopedic surgeons often are involved in education (e.g., medical school professors) or research. They may practice in an orthopedic or multi-specialty group, or in a solo practice. Orthopedic surgeons treat a number of conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. These conditions include the following: M.A.Kubtan6

How to Become An Orthopedic Surgeon? To become an orthopedic surgeon you first have to do four years of premed in college. Then you have to apply and get accepted to a medical school. Part of doing this is taking the M.A.Kubtan7