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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.

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.

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.

Today's contemporary orthopedists focus on treating bone fractures and bone related disorders. Orthopedists also help patients who are suffering from sports injuries or arthritis. Although licensed and trained as surgeons, such individuals use both nonsurgical and surgical techniques, as well as teach preventative measures to their patients.

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.

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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