The Interesting History Of Orthopedic Appliances

By Chelsea Evans


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 term orthopedics is a combination of two Greek words: orthos and paideia. The latter refers to children and the former means to straighten. It is believed that this may be evidence that the first orthopedic doctors primarily practiced on children, possibly because of the tendency of children to experience injuries such as broken bones.

In 1780, the first orthopedic institute was established by Doctor Jean-Andre Venel. The facility dealt mainly with skeletal deformities in children. Venel is considered by some to be the first orthopedic surgeon.

Orthopedics as a specialty was first introduced in 1803 by Nicholas Andry, a French doctor. He primarily treated bone deformities in children, and also devoted time to those with broken or injured bones in an attempt to restore them to their previous state before the injury occurred. Andry also dedicated a substantial amount of time to research, during which he specifically searched for ways to prevent childhood deformities. His research is widely believed to have initiated what is now called the orthopedic specialty.

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 American Board of Orthopedics reviews the casework of all bone surgeons to gather statistical information. As of 2008, the most frequently performed surgical procedures were knee replacements, shoulder and knee arthroscopy, otherwise known as cartilage surgery, carpal tunnel procedures, and corrective surgeries involving the repair of thighbone or hip fractures. In 2011, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistic stated that bone surgery edged out all other types of surgical specialties. This may be a sign that the presence of joint disorders and diseases is on the rise.

Those in need of orthopedic appliances are wise to avail themselves of the services of a qualified, licensed professional. Although some devices of this kind can be bought without a prescription, speaking to a specialist prior to selecting such an item is in one's best interest. Individuals suffering from joint or bone abnormalities or similar problems should seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner without delay.




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