Interesting Facts And Information About Orthopedic Appliances

By Chelsea Evans


The specialty that involves the treatment of numerous bone diseases and conditions is called orthopedics. Even though doctors have tried to treat broken or deformed bones and associated disorders for thousands of years, orthopedics is a contemporary specialty that has mainly evolved over the past hundred years. Devices used to assist those with such disorders and increase their quality of life are called orthopedic appliances.

The term orthopedics is a combination of two Greek words: orthos and paideia. The latter refers to children and the former means to straighten. It is believed that this may be evidence that the first orthopedic doctors primarily practiced on children, possibly because of the tendency of children to experience injuries such as broken bones.

In 1780, the first orthopedic institute was established by Doctor Jean-Andre Venel. The facility dealt mainly with skeletal deformities in children. Venel is considered by some to be the first orthopedic surgeon.

In 1803, orthopedics was first introduced as a specialty by a French doctor named Nicholas Andry. This doctor primarily treated children's bone abnormalities, but also dedicated research to restoring individuals with injured or broken bones to their previous state. Additionally, Andry devoted a considerable amount of time to researching ways to prevent bone deformities in youngsters. His studies are commonly believed to have initiated what is now referred to as orthopedics.

In 1851, the first plaster of Paris cast was utilized. It was invented by Antonius Mathysen, a Dutch military surgeon. Germany's Gerhard Kuntscher invented the use of something called intramedullary rods, which were used to help heal femur and tibia fractures. Procedures of this type made a considerable difference in how quickly injured soldiers recovered throughout the second world war. In 1960, Sir John Charnley, an English scientist, first introduced joint replacement surgery to the world, and approximately 25 years later, such surgeries were the most common orthopedic procedures performed.

Orthopedists in today's modern world treat bone fractures and bone related disorders. They also frequently treat patients with injuries obtained while participating in sports, as well as various types of arthritis. Although they are technically surgeons, they also use nonsurgical procedures and preventative measures, the latter which they teach their patients on a regular basis.

The casework of all bone surgeons is reviewed by the American Board of Orthopedics for the purpose of gathering statistical facts. As of 2008, knee replacement surgery was the most frequently performed orthopedic procedure, followed by cartilage surgery, otherwise known as knee and shoulder arthroscopy, carpal tunnel procedures, and corrective surgery focused on the repair of hip or thigh bone fractures. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011 bone surgery took the lead in front of all other surgical specialties. This may indicate that the presence of joint diseases and disorders is on the rise.

Those who require orthopedic appliances should talk to a licensed specialist. Even though a prescription is not always necessary to purchase devices of this kind, it is in one's best interest to discuss such matters with a doctor prior to making such an investment. Anyone suffering from bone deformities or joint problems should seek the advice of a bone specialist immediately.




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