Orthopedics is a term that refers to the surgical specialty involving the treatment of various bone conditions and diseases. Although doctors have attempted to treat deformed or broken bones and associated diseases for several centuries, orthopedics as a modern specialty has primarily evolved throughout the 20th century. Orthopedic appliances are devices that are used to assist individuals with the aforementioned disorders to have a better quality of life.

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.

Doctor Jean-Andre Venel established the first orthopedic institute in seventeen eighty. The establishment primarily dealt with abnormalities of the skeletal system in children. He is regarded by certain individuals as the first surgeon in the orthopedic field.

Orthopedics as a specialty in its own right was initially introduced by a French physician named Nicholas Andry at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Doctor Andry mainly treated children with bone deformities, but also devoted studies to restoring individuals with injured or broken bones to a healthy state. He also completed substantial research on the prevention of childhood bone abnormalities. Many individuals believe his studies brought about what is now referred to as 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.

Today's contemporary orthopedists focus on treating bone fractures and bone related disorders. Orthopedists also help patients who are suffering from sports injuries or arthritis. Although licensed and trained as surgeons, such individuals use both nonsurgical and surgical techniques, as well as teach preventative measures to their patients.

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.

Anyone in need of orthopedic appliances should seek the advice of a licensed, qualified professional. Although certain devices of this type can be purchased without a prescription, it is always best to speak to a specialist before making such a selection. Those suffering from bone or joint abnormalities or similar disorders should schedule an appointment with a qualified practitioner as soon as possible.