What is Orthopedic Surgery?

Orthopedic surgery refers to the branch of surgerystill used today.
dealing with injuries or condition involving theAnother breakthrough that occurred during the 1950s
musculoskeletal system. Muscle injuries and congenitalwas the development of arthroscopy by Dr. Masaki
conditions resulting in orthopedic deformities areWatanabe of Japan. He pioneered surgery to
addressed by orthopedic surgeons at a Dwightperform minimally invasive surgery on cartilage and to
hospital by using both surgical and non-surgicalreconstruct torn ligaments. Unlike open surgery,
treatments. The word orthopedic may also be spelledpatients recover within days after arthroscopic
"orthopaedic".surgery.
In 1780, the first orthopedic institute was opened byDuring the 1960's, Sir John Charnley pioneered hip
Jean-Andre Venel, often referred to as the father ofreplacement surgery. Over the years, the design and
orthopedics. In 1851, Dutch military surgeon Antoniustechnique of joint replacement implants has been
Mathysen invented the plaster of Paris cast.continually improved. Since the 1970s, many strides
Throughout the centuries, often orthopedic advanceshave been in orthopedic treatment including knee
were made as a result of wartime experiences.replacements and joint replacement. Modern research
Splints made from bandages and horse blood wasmakes surgery at a Dwight Illinois hospital less
used on battlefields during the Middle Ages. Duringinvasive. The implanted components are greatly
World War I, splinting and traction were developed.improved. Improving treatment of children (pediatric
A German doctor pioneered the use of intramedullaryorthopedics) continues to be an integral part
rods to treat femur and tibia fractures. Thesedeveloping modern orthopedic surgery techniques.
techniques made a major difference to injuredOrthopedic surgeons have the option to specialize in
German soldiers during World War II and thecertain areas to learn how to render the most
techniques spread worldwide. Despite that fact,progressive treatments. Specialties include hand
traction was used through the 1970s to treatsurgery, total joint reconstruction, spine surgery,
fractured thigh bones. In the late 1970s, thepediatric orthopedics, surgical sports medicine and
Harborview Medical Center in Seattle mademany others. When you choose a Chicago south
intramedullary fixation without opening the fracture asuburbs hospital, you can inquire about specialized
popular procedure.orthopedic surgeons.
During the Vietnam War, external fixation ofOrthopedic surgery makes it possible for people to
fractures was refined by the American surgeons. Inlead fuller, more active lives. A person who works
the 1950s, Gavril Abramovich Ilizarov was called uponwith their hands may require carpal tunnel surgery.
to care for injured Russian soldier in Siberia. WithOrthopedic treatment is invaluable for a child born
minimal orthopedic training and no equipment, Ilizarovwith a club foot. Joint replacement can mean the
created ring external fixators with the help of a localdifference between being immobile and getting
bicycle shop. He used these fixators to heal, realignaround. Modern orthopedic surgery techniques
and lengthen malaligned fractures. Ilizarov apparatus isincrease mobility for a more fulfilling lifestyle.