Orthopedics is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases, injuries, and conditions of the musculoskeletal system, or the body's muscles and skeleton, and including the joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Orthopedic surgery is made up of physicians and other healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive orthopedic services. Their expertise provides treatment and care of diseases, injuries, fractures, and pain.
Orthopedists also design rehabilitation programs for the physically disabled and participate in ongoing musculoskeletal research.
Online Source:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00274
Online Editor:
Andrew Bailey RN BSN M.Ed.
Online Editor:
Andrea Miller
Online Editor:
Sara Foster RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith MSN FNP RN CCRC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Joy Fincannon RN MN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Kelley Gaskin RN MN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Louise Akin RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Nancy Bowers RN MPH RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sara Foster RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Debra Cohen RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lee Jenkins
Date Last Reviewed:
2/1/2010
Date Last Modified:
8/10/2004