Introduction to Orthopedics

Orthopedics is the study of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat problems of the musculoskeletal system.

Where does the word 'orthopedics' come from
The word orthopedics comes from Greek. The greek word 'ortho' means straight and pedics comes from 'pais' meaning children. One may ask why does orthopedics have the word 'children' in it, and that is because for many centuries orthopedists have been known to treat crippled children.

Statistics

 * One in seven Americans has a musculoskeletal impairment.
 * In 2003, almost 3.3 million people had in-patient musculoskeletal procedures.
 * Sprains or dislocations and fractures account for almost half of all musculoskeletal injuries.