Orthopedics, or more correctly, orthopaedics, is the medical specialty that pertains to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders, conditions, and injuries of the skeletal system and the muscles, joints, and ligaments associated with it. Orthopedics is a generally accepted spelling for the specialty, but orthopaedics is the correct medical spelling and accounts for why you can only find The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and not the other spelling. Medical professionals who specialize in orthopedics are called orthopaedists, but the layman’s term is orthopedic surgeon or orthopedic specialist. You might find an orthopedic surgeon in a private practice, group practice, or multi-specialty practice.

Orthopedic surgeons treat a wide variety of conditions pertaining to the body. Arthritis, sports injuries, back pain, leg and foot pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome are all conditions that fall under the orthopedics specialty and are treated by orthopedic surgeons. Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to deal with common conditions associated with the skeletal system and to perform surgical repair when necessary.

Common surgical procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons include joint replacement and repair of damaged nerves or relocation of compressed nerves. Some orthopedic surgeons specialize in only one type of injury, and others may exclusively treat one particular part of the body, such as hands or feet. Some doctors further specialize in orthopedics by exclusively treating children. These doctors are called pediatric orthopedic surgeons.

A pediatric doctor specializing in orthopedics may treat problems that arise with the growth and development of children, such as curvature of the spine, or scoliosis, and limb length discrepancy. Orthopedics is a specialty that can be called upon in emergency situations as well. Fractures, severe sprains or strains, and dislocated joints are all common injuries suffered by active children. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons will treat the child as a child who is still growing and developing, not as an adult in a small body.

Patients can also consult with a doctor specializing in orthopedics about bone health and prevention of bone loss. Orthopedic surgeons often work closely with physical therapists to help heal an injury that might otherwise require surgery.