Orthopaedics

Orthopaedics or orthopedics is the art or the branch of medical science concerned with the study of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine or skeletal system, joints, muscles and associated structures; and with the correction of disorders or deformities and with the alleviation of pain, related to the musculoskeletal system.

History

\nNicholas Andry coined the word orthopaedics, derived from Greek words for straight and child, in 1741, when he published Orthopaedia: or the Art of Correcting and Preventing Deformities in Children, at the age of 81. Jean-Andre Venel established the first orthopaedic institute in 1780, which was the first hospital dedicated to the treatment of children's skeletal deformities. He is considered by some to be the father of orthopaedics or first true orthopaedist in consideraton of the establishment of his hospital and for his published methods. Antonius Mathysen, a military surgeon, invented the plaster of Paris cast in 1851.

External links

\nThe History of Orthopaedics