Orthopedics (also called orthopedic surgery) is the medical specialty that focuses on injuries and diseases in your body's musculoskeletal system. This complex system of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves keeps you moving, working and being active.
Orthopedists once devoted to caring for children with spine and limb deformities now care for patients of all ages, from newborns with clubfoot to young athletes requiring arthroscopic surgery to elderly people with arthritis. And anyone can break a bone at any age.
It is important to remember that seeing an orthopedic surgeon does not necessarily mean you will have surgery. Because of the training they receive, orthopedic surgeons are uniquely qualified to determine if surgery is the best option for you, and if so, which procedure(s) will give you the best results.
