Overview

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Orthopedic specialists (orthopedists) treat conditions ranging from fractures and dislocations to arthritis, osteoporosis, and congenital deformities.

Diagnosis:

• Physical Examination: Assessment of movement, strength, reflexes, and sensation.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays (for bones), MRI (soft tissues), CT scans (detailed bone images), and ultrasounds (muscles and tendons).
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to check for infections or conditions like arthritis.
• Bone Scans: Detect bone diseases and conditions such as fractures or infections.
• Joint Aspiration: Removing fluid from a joint to diagnose arthritis or infections.

Symptoms:

• Pain in bones, joints, or muscles
• Swelling or inflammation
• Stiffness and decreased range of motion
• Deformities or misalignment
• Weakness or instability in a limb or joint
• Numbness or tingling

Prevention:

• Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• Protective Gear: Using appropriate equipment during sports and activities.
• Ergonomics: Proper posture and workplace ergonomics to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on bones and joints.
• Regular Check-ups: Monitoring bone density and joint health, especially for those at risk of osteoporosis or arthritis.

Treatment:

• Medications: Pain relievers (analgesics), anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance joint function.
• Assistive Devices: Braces, splints, or orthotics to support and protect affected areas.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or hyaluronic acid injections for joint lubrication.
• Surgery: Procedures such as fracture repair, joint replacement (e.g., hip or knee), arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery for joint issues), and spinal surgeries.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Advice on activity modifications, weight loss, and nutrition to support musculoskeletal health.
• Rehabilitation: Post-surgery or injury rehabilitation programs to restore function and mobility.