Orthopedic Appliances And Their Interesting History

By Chelsea Evans


Orthopedics is a term that refers to the surgical specialty involving the treatment of various bone conditions and diseases. Although doctors have attempted to treat deformed or broken bones and associated diseases for several centuries, orthopedics as a modern specialty has primarily evolved throughout the 20th century. Orthopedic appliances are devices that are used to assist individuals with the aforementioned disorders to have a better quality of life.

The phrase orthopedics is actually two Greek words combined: orthos and paideia. Paideia refers to youngsters and ortho is a word that means to straighten. According to many experts, this is evidence that the first physicians who practiced orthopedics primarily worked on children, probably because of the latter's tendency to experience broken bones.

In 1780, the first orthopedic institute was established by Doctor Jean-Andre Venel. The facility dealt mainly with skeletal deformities in children. Venel is considered by some to be the first orthopedic surgeon.

In 1803, orthopedics was first introduced as a specialty by a French doctor named Nicholas Andry. This doctor primarily treated children's bone abnormalities, but also dedicated research to restoring individuals with injured or broken bones to their previous state. Additionally, Andry devoted a considerable amount of time to researching ways to prevent bone deformities in youngsters. His studies are commonly believed to have initiated what is now referred to as orthopedics.

The first plaster of Paris cast was used in France in 1851, which was invented by Dutch military surgeon Antonius Mathysen. Gerhard Kuntscher of Germany pioneered the use of intramedullary rods to treat tibia and femur fractures. Such procedures made a significant difference in the recovery time of injured soldiers during World War II. Joint replacements were first introduced to the world in 1960 by English scientist Sir John Charnley, and by the mid 1980s such procedures were the most frequently performed orthopedic surgeries.

Today's modern orthopedists treat bone-related diseases and bone fractures. Orthopedists also treat those who are suffering from arthritis or sports injuries. Although trained and licensed as surgeons, orthopedists use both surgical and nonsurgical procedures, and teach patients preventative measures.

The casework of all bone surgeons is reviewed by the American Board of Orthopedics for the purpose of gathering statistical facts. As of 2008, knee replacement surgery was the most frequently performed orthopedic procedure, followed by cartilage surgery, otherwise known as knee and shoulder arthroscopy, carpal tunnel procedures, and corrective surgery focused on the repair of hip or thigh bone fractures. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011 bone surgery took the lead in front of all other surgical specialties. This may indicate that the presence of joint diseases and disorders is on the rise.

Anyone in need of orthopedic appliances should seek the advice of a licensed, qualified professional. Although certain devices of this type can be purchased without a prescription, it is always best to speak to a specialist before making such a selection. Those suffering from bone or joint abnormalities or similar disorders should schedule an appointment with a qualified practitioner as soon as possible.




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