Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic services

Orthopaedics is a surgical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating a range of problems involving the musculoskeletal system.

The musculoskeletal system includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

Orthopaedics cares for people of all ages, from new-borns with congenital conditions to older people with arthritis.

Orthopaedics also covers trauma for example, a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or a tackle during a rugby game; these can all result in an injury, or a fracture (broken bone).

The most common orthopaedic conditions treated by orthopaedic surgeons

• Severe osteoarthritis - joint replacement, where an arthritic or damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis.
• Fractures - broken bones.
• Torn or inflamed muscles, tendons and cartilage.
• Disorders of the spine.
• Trapped nerves.

Congenital and childhood bone disorders

The treatment of orthopaedic problems may involve either surgery or non-surgical treatment.  The orthopaedic surgeon will discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan with you.  A rehabilitation plan may be recommended, including exercises or physical therapy to restore movement, strength and function.