Orthopedics (or-tho-PEE-diks) is health care that corrects or prevents problems or injuries of the musculoskeletal system — our bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
An orthopedist (or-tho-PEE-dist), or orthopedic surgeon, studies, diagnoses, and treats conditions that affect muscles, joints, and bones, such as infections, sports injuries, broken bones, and joint problems.
Orthopedists help people with problems such as:
They do such medical tests and procedures as:
Orthopedist training typically includes:
They also might do a fellowship in a subspecialty area (for example, pediatric orthopedic surgery). A “fellow” is a doctor who had more specialty training after completing medical school and residency training.
Orthopedic care often involves a team approach. Other professionals on the team might include:
Reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts
Date Reviewed: Sep 5, 2022
