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Orthopedics is the
medical specialty devoted to bones, joints, ligaments,
tendons, and muscles. Orthopedic specialists diagnose,
treat, rehabilitate and help to prevent injuries and diseases like:
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Repetitive
stress degeneration
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
Orthopedic surgeons
also address:
- Joint
replacement
- Major orthopedic
trauma
- Musculoskeletal
tumors
- Reconstructive
surgery.
Orthopedic
treatment may include surgery, exercises and/or physical therapy,
the use of braces, canes, walkers, and prescription medication.
According to the
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:
- Arthritis is the
leading chronic condition reported by the elderly.
- Back or spine
injuries are the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions.
- Sprains,
dislocations and fractures account for almost half of all
musculoskeletal injuries.
- Knees are
treated by orthopedic surgeons more often than any other part of
the body. More than half of all athletic injuries occur in the
knee.
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