Saturday, April 4, 2009

What is Orthopedic Surgery?


Orthopedic surgery refers to the branch of surgery dealing with injuries or condition involving the musculoskeletal system. Muscle injuries and congenital conditions resulting in orthopedic deformities are addressed by orthopedic surgeons at a Dwight hospital by using both surgical and non-surgical treatments. The word orthopedic may also be spelled "orthopaedic".

In 1780, the first orthopedic institute was opened by Jean-Andre Venel, often referred to as the father of orthopedics. In 1851, Dutch military surgeon Antonius Mathysen invented the plaster of Paris cast. Throughout the centuries, often orthopedic advances were made as a result of wartime experiences. Splints made from bandages and horse blood was used on battlefields during the Middle Ages. During World War I, splinting and traction were developed.

A German doctor pioneered the use of intramedullary rods to treat femur and tibia fractures. These techniques made a major difference to injured German soldiers during World War II and the techniques spread worldwide. Despite that fact, traction was used through the 1970s to treat fractured thigh bones. In the late 1970s, the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle made intramedullary fixation without opening the fracture a popular procedure.

During the Vietnam War, external fixation of fractures was refined by the American surgeons. In the 1950s, Gavril Abramovich Ilizarov was called upon to care for injured Russian soldier in Siberia. With minimal orthopedic training and no equipment, Ilizarov created ring external fixators with the help of a local bicycle shop. He used these fixators to heal, realign and lengthen malaligned fractures. Ilizarov apparatus is still used today.

Another breakthrough that occurred during the 1950s was the development of arthroscopy by Dr. Masaki Watanabe of Japan. He pioneered surgery to perform minimally invasive surgery on cartilage and to reconstruct torn ligaments. Unlike open surgery, patients recover within days after arthroscopic surgery.

During the 1960's, Sir John Charnley pioneered hip replacement surgery. Over the years, the design and technique of joint replacement implants has been continually improved. Since the 1970s, many strides have been in orthopedic treatment including knee replacements and joint replacement. Modern research makes surgery at a Dwight Illinois hospital less invasive. The implanted components are greatly improved. Improving treatment of children (pediatric orthopedics) continues to be an integral part developing modern orthopedic surgery techniques.

Orthopedic surgeons have the option to specialize in certain areas to learn how to render the most progressive treatments. Specialties include hand surgery, total joint reconstruction, spine surgery, pediatric orthopedics, surgical sports medicine and many others. When you choose a Chicago south suburbs hospital, you can inquire about specialized orthopedic surgeons.

Orthopedic surgery makes it possible for people to lead fuller, more active lives. A person who works with their hands may require carpal tunnel surgery. Orthopedic treatment is invaluable for a child born with a club foot. Joint replacement can mean the difference between being immobile and getting around. Modern orthopedic surgery techniques increase mobility for a more fulfilling lifestyle.

If you are looking for a Dwight hospital for your orthopedic treatment, Riverside Medical Center is the recipient of the HealthGrades® Specialty Excellence Award™ in orthopedic surgery. This Dwight Illinois hospital is among the top 10 percent in the nation. Appreciate the convenience of a Chicago south suburbs hospital with top notch technology at Riverside Medical Center.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

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