What is Orthopedics?
Orthopedics is a surgical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves). Many tests can be done to determine your diagnosis. Here are a few common definitions of those tests:
X-rays — May be required so your orthopedist can look closely at the bones and joints.
CT scan (computerized topography) — Provides a more detailed view of the bones of interest.
Electrical studies such as the EMG (electromyogram) — Can indicate nerve damage.
Arthrogram – An X-ray study in which dye is injected into the area to allow the orthopedist to better see the joint and its surrounding muscles and tendons.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and ultrasound — Valuable diagnostic tools for orthopedists because they provide images of the soft tissues without using radiation.
Arthroscopy — A surgical procedure in which the orthopedist looks inside the joint with a lighted telescope. It is sometimes used to diagnose causes of pain. Arthroscopy may indicate soft tissue injuries that are not apparent in the physical examination, X-rays and other tests.