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Interesting Facts And Information About Orthopedic Appliances

By Chelsea Evans


Orthopedics is a term that refers to the surgical specialty involving the treatment of various bone conditions and diseases. Although doctors have attempted to treat deformed or broken bones and associated diseases for several centuries, orthopedics as a modern specialty has primarily evolved throughout the 20th century. Orthopedic appliances are devices that are used to assist individuals with the aforementioned disorders to have a better quality of life.

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.

The first orthopedic institution was established in 1780 by a physician named Jean-Andre Venel. The establishment dealt primarily with skeletal abnormalities in youngsters. Venel is regarded by certain individuals as the first surgeon in the field of orthopedics.

Orthopedics as a specialty was first introduced in 1803 by Nicholas Andry, a French doctor. He primarily treated bone deformities in children, and also devoted time to those with broken or injured bones in an attempt to restore them to their previous state before the injury occurred. Andry also dedicated a substantial amount of time to research, during which he specifically searched for ways to prevent childhood deformities. His research is widely believed to have initiated what is now called the orthopedic specialty.

The first plaster of Paris cast was used in France in 1851, which was invented by Dutch military surgeon Antonius Mathysen. Gerhard Kuntscher of Germany pioneered the use of intramedullary rods to treat tibia and femur fractures. Such procedures made a significant difference in the recovery time of injured soldiers during World War II. Joint replacements were first introduced to the world in 1960 by English scientist Sir John Charnley, and by the mid 1980s such procedures were the most frequently performed orthopedic surgeries.

Today's modern orthopedists treat bone-related diseases and bone fractures. Orthopedists also treat those who are suffering from arthritis or sports injuries. Although trained and licensed as surgeons, orthopedists use both surgical and nonsurgical procedures, and teach patients preventative measures.

The American Board of Orthopedics reviews the casework of all bone surgeons to gather statistical information. As of 2008, the most frequently performed surgical procedures were knee replacements, shoulder and knee arthroscopy, otherwise known as cartilage surgery, carpal tunnel procedures, and corrective surgeries involving the repair of thighbone or hip fractures. In 2011, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistic stated that bone surgery edged out all other types of surgical specialties. This may be a sign that the presence of joint disorders and diseases is on the rise.

Anyone in need of orthopedic appliances should seek the advice of a licensed, qualified professional. Although certain devices of this type can be purchased without a prescription, it is always best to speak to a specialist before making such a selection. Those suffering from bone or joint abnormalities or similar disorders should schedule an appointment with a qualified practitioner as soon as possible.




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