Glossary Term
Orthopedics
Definition
Orthopedics is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, rehabilitating, and preventing musculoskeletal system disorders, which include the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Orthopedic physicians, known as orthopedic surgeons, deal with a wide range of conditions, including fractures, joint degeneration, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. Orthopedics includes both surgical and nonsurgical methods of treatment and often involves procedures such as joint replacements, arthroscopy, and spinal surgery, alongside physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Relevance to the MedTech Industry
The Orthopedic specialty centers around both restoring and improving the quality of life for patients suffering from musculoskeletal problems. This can involve relieving pain, improving mobility, and correcting deformities. Orthopedic devices, such as prosthetics, implants, braces, and surgical instruments, are used to support the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
Additional Information & Related Terms
Related Terms
Joint Replacement: A surgical procedure to replace a damaged or worn-out joint with a prosthetic, commonly performed in hips, knees, and shoulders.
Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the elderly, leading to the breakdown of cartilage and the need for joint replacement.
Orthotic Devices: External devices used to support, align, or correct musculoskeletal problems, such as braces, splints, and shoe inserts.
Biomechanics: The study of the mechanical aspects of the human body, often applied to the design of orthopedic devices and implants.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: A surgical technique that involves smaller incisions and faster recovery times, often used in orthopedic procedures like arthroscopy.