What is orthopaedics?

The word orthopaedic, sometimes spelled orthopedic, comes from two Greek words:

     • ortho meaning straight
     • paedia meaning children

Orthopaedics is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases, injuries, and conditions of the musculoskeletal system - relating to the body's muscles and skeleton, and including the joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

The proper title of this medical specialty is orthopaedic surgery, although orthopaedics is a generally accepted term.