Orthopedics is a branch of medicine specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders or injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system. This system consists of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which are essential for body movement. Orthopedic services help you regain mobility or function, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life. Here's a closer look at the different orthopedic services available and how orthopedic specialists can help you restore your joint health.

What Are Some Common Orthopedic Sevices?

Orthopedic services cover a wide range of conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system. These services can be surgical or non-surgical and may include the following:

• Joint Replacement Surgery. This is a surgical procedure that involves replacing damaged joints with artificial ones. Joint replacement surgery is recommended for patients with severe joint damage due to arthritis, injury, or other conditions that affect joint function. The most common joint replacements are for the hip and knee joints, but shoulder, elbow, and ankle joints can also be replaced.
• Sports Medicine. Orthopedic services are a big part of sports medicine. Sports injuries occur when a player experiences trauma to the musculoskeletal system while playing sports, including sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations. This branch of orthopedics also focuses on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization.
• Pediatric Orthopedics. Children and adolescents are prone to musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. In fact, up to 55 percent break at least one bone before they reach their 18th birthday. Pediatric orthopedic specialists are trained to fix broken bones and treat any other musculoskeletal disorders in children, including congenital abnormalities and scoliosis.

What Are Some Unusual Orthopedic Services?

Orthopedic specialists do more than just set broken bones, however. They also provide some unusual orthopedic services that you might not realize, including:

• Joint Preservation. While joint replacement surgery, like knees and hips, is becoming more common. However, in some cases, joint replacement surgery may not be the best option for patients. Orthopedists who specialize in joint preservation work with patients to develop non-surgical approaches to managing joint pain and slowing the progression of joint damage.
• Dance Medicine. Like sports medicine, orthopedists who specialize in dance medicine work with dancers and performers to prevent and treat injuries that are unique to their art form. This may include issues related to flexibility, balance, and coordination that can impact a dancer's health and performance.
• Geriatric Orthopedics. As people age, they become more susceptible to orthopedic issues such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and fractures from falls. Over 300,000 people over 65 are hospitalized after falling and breaking their hip each year. Geriatric orthopedists specialize in identifying and treating these issues in older patients.

Orthopedic services are essential for anyone who has experienced a musculoskeletal disorder or injury. Whether you need surgery, physical therapy, or pain management services, an orthopedic specialist can help you achieve optimal joint health. If you are experiencing joint pain or discomfort, make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.

Contact a clinic like South Shore Health to learn more.