ORTHOPEDICS

Orthopedics, branch of surgery devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, injuries, deformities, and malformations of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. It is thus a treatment of traumatic injuries to bones, such as fractures and dislocations; disturbances in joints, such as sprains, torn cartilages, or strained ligaments; and inflammation of muscle or connective tissues, such as bursitis, myositis, and tendonitis.

They also treat back problems, such as strains, ruptured discs, or curvatures; foot problems, such as flat feet or high arches; and neck disorders, such as strains or arthritis. Surgeons employ mechanical appliances, such as braces, splints, and casts, and in surgical procedures extensively use hardware such as screws, pins, nails, and bolts and nuts, particularly in repairing broken bones. 

Orthopedic surgery entails operations on bones, muscles, and joints. Orthopedic surgery allows for the replacement of hip and knee joints with artificial joints made of special metals and plastics. Fractures in bones are repaired with the implantation of pins, metal plates, and screws. These techniques greatly reduce the time needed for healing and recuperation.