The Interesting History Of Orthopedic Appliances

By Chelsea Evans


Orthopedics is a word used to refer to the surgical specialty that involves bones and joints, as well as conditions or abnormalities that may affect these parts of the body. Although physicians have attempted to treat bone fractures, joint deformities, and similar conditions for thousands of years, it was not until the twentieth century that orthopedics evolved as a primary specialty. Orthopedic appliances are sometimes used to help patients with the aforementioned conditions to enjoy a better quality of life.

The term orthopedics is a combination of two Greek words: orthos and paideia. The latter refers to children and the former means to straighten. It is believed that this may be evidence that the first orthopedic doctors primarily practiced on children, possibly because of the tendency of children to experience injuries such as 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.

Orthopedics as a specialty in its own right was initially introduced by a French physician named Nicholas Andry at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Doctor Andry mainly treated children with bone deformities, but also devoted studies to restoring individuals with injured or broken bones to a healthy state. He also completed substantial research on the prevention of childhood bone abnormalities. Many individuals believe his studies brought about what is now referred to as the orthopedic specialty.

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 contemporary orthopedists focus on treating bone fractures and bone related disorders. Orthopedists also help patients who are suffering from sports injuries or arthritis. Although licensed and trained as surgeons, such individuals use both nonsurgical and surgical techniques, as well as teach preventative measures to their patients.

The American Orthopedics Review Board evaluates casework of all orthopedic surgeons for the purpose of obtaining statistical information. The most commonly performed bone surgery in 2008 was knee replacement surgery. This was followed by carpal tunnel procedures, cartilage surgery, also called shoulder and knee arthroscopy, and corrective surgery focusing on repairing thigh or hip fractures. The Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States reported that in 2011, bone surgery was the most common procedure performed among all surgical specialties. Unfortunately, this may indicate that such disorders are occurring more often than in previous years.

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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