What is Orthopedics and Traumatology, and What Diseases Does it Cover

Orthopedics and traumatology is a branch of medicine with a history that dates back many years, which has made significant advancements alongside the development of modern medicine.

Orthopedics and traumatology is a branch of medicine with a long history that has made considerable progress with the advancements of modern medicine. The body's locomotor system is quite complex, so any damage, discomfort, or injury can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. For this reason, orthopedic and traumatology specialists not only focus on the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic diseases but also work on taking necessary measures to preserve and improve people's mobility.

What is Orthopedics and Traumatology?

Orthopedics and traumatology is a branch of medicine that deals with problems related to the skeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments; it focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating these issues. This field treats patients with congenital anomalies, injuries, fractures, dislocations, tendon and ligament injuries, joint pain, and other orthopedic disorders. Specialists working in this area also perform surgical operations to provide definitive treatment solutions. The orthopedics and traumatology department provides treatment for individuals of all ages, particularly athletes, the elderly, and children.

What Diseases Does Orthopedics and Traumatology Address?

In orthopedics and traumatology, the treatment of skeletal system diseases in different groups, such as athletes, the elderly, and children, is performed. The diseases treated in orthopedics and traumatology can be grouped as follows:

1. Orthopedic Diseases in Athletes: This group includes injuries sustained during sports and general sports-related illnesses. Some of the conditions in this group are meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears in the shoulder, hip labrum tears, osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, arthroscopic Bankart repair (shoulder dislocation), tendon injuries, and various fractures, dislocations, and tears.
2. Orthopedic Diseases in Children: The pediatric diseases treated in orthopedics and traumatology can be congenital or may develop later. Some of these conditions include congenital hip dislocation, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), flat feet, cerebral palsy, ankle dislocations, muscular dystrophies, and various congenital anomalies.
3. Orthopedic Diseases in the Elderly: Orthopedic diseases categorized in older adults are generally seen after a certain age, although they can rarely occur at younger ages. Some of the diseases that typically arise after a certain age include hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow prostheses and their infections, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis), coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis), and herniated discs.
4. Orthopedic Diseases Requiring Surgical Intervention: Many orthopedic conditions, such as fractures and tumors, require surgical intervention. Some of the surgeries performed for orthopedic diseases include tendon transfers, lengthening of arm and leg bones, tumor operations, amputations, and various fracture and dislocation surgeries.

What Causes Orthopedic and Traumatology Diseases?

Orthopedic and traumatology diseases generally arise due to injuries, deformities, or damage to joints, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The causes of orthopedic and traumatology diseases can be listed as follows:

• Sports Injuries: Blows, collisions, or sudden movements during sports activities can lead to joint and bone injuries.
• Genetic Factors: Some orthopedic diseases may arise due to congenital genetic disorders. Additionally, orthopedic issues can develop due to genetic predisposition to certain diseases.
• Aging: As people age, bones, muscles, and joint tissues weaken, making them more susceptible to diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
• Infections: Infections occurring in bones or soft tissues can lead to inflammatory rheumatism and bone loss.
• Trauma: Traumatic injuries, such as falls, car accidents, cuts, fractures, and cracks, can result in damage to bones, muscles, and joints.
• Metabolic Diseases: Certain metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and gout, can affect bone and joint health and lead to various orthopedic issues.

What Are the Diagnostic Methods Used in Orthopedics and Traumatology?

In orthopedics and traumatology, after a detailed medical history, a physical examination is performed by a specialist doctor to diagnose diseases. While the physical examination, based on the patient's complaints, provides significant information, in some cases, detailed imaging of the bones, muscles, and connective tissues is necessary. Therefore, various imaging methods are used to diagnose conditions such as fractures, dislocations, and tumor formations. The diagnostic methods used in orthopedics and traumatology include:

• Radiographs (X-rays): Used to detect fractures, dislocations, bone tumors, infections, and other bone problems.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Used to create detailed images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bone marrow, and other soft tissues.
• Computed Tomography (CT): CT scans provide detailed images of the bones and offer three-dimensional imaging.
• Electromyography (EMG): An EMG test determines the natural electrical activity of the muscles and helps identify whether the disease originates from the muscles.
• Ultrasonography: Used to visualize soft tissues such as joints, muscles, and tendons.

What Tests Are Conducted in Orthopedics and Traumatology?

In orthopedics and traumatology, various tests and examinations are used to diagnose diseases and create an appropriate treatment plan. Tests can be used alone or in combination, depending on the patient's condition, to establish an accurate diagnosis. Some of the tests used in orthopedics and traumatology are:

• Bone Densitometry: Also known as a bone scan, this test measures mineral density in bones to check for the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss).
• Arthroscopy: A method used to examine the internal structure of joints and in cases requiring surgical intervention.
• Biopsy: A method used to diagnose bone tumors and other abnormal formations.
• Blood Tests: Used to diagnose infections, rheumatic diseases, and other systemic conditions related to orthopedics and traumatology.
• Functional Tests: Various functional tests are applied by specialists to evaluate the patient's muscle and joint mobility, strength, and balance.

What Treatment Methods Are Applied in Orthopedics and Traumatology?

The treatment methods used in orthopedics and traumatology vary depending on the patient's condition and the type of diagnosed problem. After assessing the patient's condition, the orthopedic and traumatology specialist determines the appropriate treatment method and develops a treatment plan with the patient to achieve the best results. Some common treatment methods used in orthopedics and traumatology include:

• Medication Therapy: Various medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and antibiotics to treat infections are used to reduce symptoms of orthopedic diseases.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy methods such as exercises, therapeutic massage, electrical stimulation, and hot or cold therapy can be used to treat muscle, tendon, and joint problems.
• Prosthetics: In cases such as joint arthritis, prosthetics can be used to restore joint function, especially in cases of damage from various causes.
• Surgical Treatment: Surgical intervention may be necessary for fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, joint problems, bone tumors, and other serious issues.
• Intra-articular Therapy: Medications can be injected directly into bones, joints, and soft tissues using a special needle containing medication.
• Orthotics and Prosthetics: Orthopedic shoes, bone correction devices, various leg and arm prosthetics, and protective orthopedic devices can be used according to the needs of patients to enhance functionality.

Since orthopedic diseases yield much more successful results when diagnosed and treated early, symptoms should be taken into consideration, and one should see a specialist doctor without delay.