The Interesting History Of Orthopedic Appliances

By Chelsea Evans


Orthopedics is a word used to refer to the surgical specialty that involves bones and joints, as well as conditions or abnormalities that may affect these parts of the body. Although physicians have attempted to treat bone fractures, joint deformities, and similar conditions for thousands of years, it was not until the twentieth century that orthopedics evolved as a primary specialty. Orthopedic appliances are sometimes used to help patients with the aforementioned conditions to enjoy a better quality of life.

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.

In the mid-eighteen hundreds in France, the first plaster of Paris splint was put into use. It was created by a Dutch military surgeon named Antonius Mathysen. However, the use of intramedullary rods to set fractures of the tibia and femur were pioneered by a German doctor named Gerhard Kuntscher. The utilization of such procedures made a considerable difference in the length of time it took injured soldiers to recover during World War Two. The first joint replacement was introduced in nineteen sixty by Sir John Charnley, a scientist from England. By the mid-80s, procedures of this type were the most frequently performed bone surgeries.

Today's modern orthopedists treat bone-related diseases and bone fractures. Orthopedists also treat those who are suffering from arthritis or sports injuries. Although trained and licensed as surgeons, orthopedists use both surgical and nonsurgical procedures, and teach patients preventative measures.

The American Orthopedics Review Board evaluates casework of all orthopedic surgeons for the purpose of obtaining statistical information. The most commonly performed bone surgery in 2008 was knee replacement surgery. This was followed by carpal tunnel procedures, cartilage surgery, also called shoulder and knee arthroscopy, and corrective surgery focusing on repairing thigh or hip fractures. The Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States reported that in 2011, bone surgery was the most common procedure performed among all surgical specialties. Unfortunately, this may indicate that such disorders are occurring more often than in previous years.

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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