What is orthopaedics, and what do orthopedists do?

Orthopaedics is a medical specialty that deals with the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Orthopaedists are medical professionals who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions, using both surgical and non-surgical methods.

Orthopaedic surgeons are knowledgeable about all aspects of the musculoskeletal system, but many choose to specialize in specific areas such as:

• hand and wrist,
• foot and ankle,
• hip or knee replacement,
• paediatric orthopaedic surgery,
• shoulder and elbow,
• spine,
• orthopaedic oncology (bone tumours),
• orthopaedic trauma,
• and sports medicine.