Orthopaedics is a medical department which deals with musculoskeletal system and its study. The word ‘orthopaedic’ comes from two Greek words – ‘orthos,’ which means straight or correct, and ‘paideia’, which means rising of children. Nicholas Andry, a French physician combined the two terms to form a French called ‘orthopedique,’ which is now translated into English. Thus, the word stands for correcting broken bones. The first orthopaedic institute was established in 1780 by Jean-Andre Venel. He is thus considered the father of orthopaedics.
Orthopaedics mainly focuses on diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with disorders related to bones, joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons and skin. Over the years the treatment procedures and technology used in the field of orthopaedics has changed for the better. Today, we can see a quantum leap in the treatment methods that are practiced in India. Thus, India has evolved as one of the major countries in the field of orthopaedics. Advanced instrumentation systems and accurate diagnosis have made the country improve in their treatment services. The specialists who work under the musculoskeletal department are called as orthopaedist or orthopaedic surgeons. You can find the best orthopaedic surgeon in India.
The most common problems that orthopaedic doctors deal with is broken bones. Other problems include issues in the central nervous system, tumours, injuries, trauma, degenerative disease, congenital deformities and infections. The treatment varies according to the type of problem and its seriousness. The treatments basically involved are oral medication, injections, casts, operation and physiotherapy. Both medical and physical rehabilitative methods are used before the doctors opt for surgery. The doctors may practice in small private clinics, or in large hospitals.
With more and more people having bone and muscle related problems, orthopaedics is in great demand in the country. There is a need of more orthopaedic surgeons in India. The causes for more cases in the field are many. More use of automobiles leading to accidents, sedentary lifestyle, bad food habits and lack of exercise has caused many bone and muscle related problems. This has led to the want of more number of orthopaedic doctors in India.
The exact work of an orthopaedic doctor depends on what the doctor is specialised in.
There are many branches in the field of orthopaedics such as –
General medical practice – They treat basic problems like arthritis, sprain and muscle strains.
Foot and ankle orthopaedics – It includes treatment for broken leg bones and sprained muscles in the legs.
Sports medicine orthopaedics – These doctors will especially treat sports persons and their injuries.
Paediatric orthopaedics – The field is for children and their musculoskeletal problems that are treated effectively.
Hand surgery – The branch consists of problems in the hands and its bones.
Musculoskeletal oncology – These doctors will treat cancer related to bones and muscles.
Orthopaedic spine surgery – The injuries on spine are treated.
Trauma orthopaedics – The injuries that occur during accidents are treated.
From club foot and unequal leg length to tendon injuries, pulled muscles, and bursitis, an orthopaedic surgeon repairs every problem connected to the bones and muscles of our body. Thus, there is a massive scope for orthopaedic surgeons in India as people are on lookout for the best doctor to get their treatments.