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The Interesting History Of Orthopedic Appliances

Written By Dhiya on Sunday, July 21, 2013 | 10:17 AM

Orthopedic Appliances


The specialty that involves the treatment of numerous bone diseases and conditions is called orthopedics. Even though doctors have tried to treat broken or deformed bones and associated disorders for thousands of years, orthopedics is a contemporary specialty that has mainly evolved over the past hundred years. Devices used to assist those with such disorders and increase their quality of life are called orthopedic appliances.

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.

The first orthopedic institution was established in 1780 by a physician named Jean-Andre Venel. The establishment dealt primarily with skeletal abnormalities in youngsters. Venel is regarded by certain individuals as the first surgeon in the field of orthopedics.

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.

Orthopedists in today's modern world treat bone fractures and bone related disorders. They also frequently treat patients with injuries obtained while participating in sports, as well as various types of arthritis. Although they are technically surgeons, they also use nonsurgical procedures and preventative measures, the latter which they teach their patients on a regular basis.

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.

Those who require orthopedic appliances should talk to a licensed specialist. Even though a prescription is not always necessary to purchase devices of this kind, it is in one's best interest to discuss such matters with a doctor prior to making such an investment. Anyone suffering from bone deformities or joint problems should seek the advice of a bone specialist immediately.

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