Orthopaedics Overview and Conditions

Introduction

• Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine focused on the musculoskeletal system.
• This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• It encompasses diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting these structures.

Common Orthopaedic Conditions

• Fractures: Breaks in bones, ranging from hairline to comminuted fractures.
• Dislocations: Displacement of bones in a joint, often with ligament/tendon damage.
• Arthritis: Joint inflammation causing pain, stiffness, reduced mobility. Types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
• Sprains: Ligament injuries, often from twisting/stretching movements.
• Strains: Muscle or tendon injuries, often from overuse or sudden exertion.
• Osteoporosis: Reduced bone density, raising fracture risk.
• Scoliosis: Abnormal spine curvature.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Median nerve compression in the wrist, causing hand pain/numbness/tingling.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Damage to shoulder rotator cuff muscles/tendons.
• Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of tendons or surrounding tissues.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

• History Taking: Gathers patient info on injury/condition onset, symptoms, medical history.
• Physical Examination: Assesses joint range of motion, strength, stability, inflammation/deformity.
• Imaging Studies: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs provide detailed bone/soft tissue images.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: Pain management, physical therapy, splinting, bracing, injections.
• Surgical Treatments: Procedures based on condition severity (e.g., fracture fixation, joint replacement, tendon repair).
• Rehabilitation: Crucial for recovery, restoring function through exercises, physical therapy, and devices.
• Medication: Analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other meds to manage pain/inflammation.

Orthopaedic Specialties

• Trauma Surgery: Diagnoses/treats musculoskeletal injuries, often from accidents or sports.
• Foot and Ankle Surgery: Addresses foot/ankle disorders like bunions, flat feet, and sprains.
• Joint Reconstruction and Replacement: Restores joint function through reconstruction or replacement.
• Pediatric Orthopaedics: Treats musculoskeletal conditions in children, often growth disorders/abnormalities.
• Hand Surgery: Focuses on hand conditions (carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, fractures).

Factors Affecting Orthopaedic Care

• Lifestyle Choices: Sedentary lifestyle/lack of exercise contributes to orthopaedic issues.
• Age: Age-related changes in bones/joints raise orthopaedic condition risk.
• Genetics: Some conditions have a genetic predisposition.
• Obesity: Excess weight stresses joints.
• Activity Levels: Strenuous activity without proper preparation/technique leads to injuries.
• Occupational Hazards: Repetitive movements/heavy lifting cause musculoskeletal problems.
• Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Some occupational exposures could affect bone health.

Specific Applications and Techniques

• Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery visualizing/treating joint problems.
• Plate and Screw Fixation: Stabilizes fractures using metal plates and screws.
• Joint Replacement Surgery: Replaces a damaged joint with an artificial one.
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Essential for recovery after surgery/injury, involving targeted exercises/training.

Patient Outcomes and Long-Term Implications

• Patient outcomes depend on the condition's nature, severity, and treatment effectiveness.
• Post-operative care and rehab adherence significantly influence recovery.
• Long-term effects range from full recovery to chronic pain/activity limitations.