orthopedics

American  

[awr-thuh-pee-diks] / ˌɔr θəˈpi dɪks /

Or orthopaedics

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the medical specialty concerned with correction of deformities or functional impairments of the skeletal system, especially the extremities and the spine, and associated structures, as muscles and ligaments.

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orthopedics Scientific  

/ ôr′thə-pē′dĭks /

1. The branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of disorders or injuries of the bones, joints, and associated muscles.

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orthopedics Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the study and care of the muscular and skeletal systems.

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Other Word Forms

• orthopedist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of orthopedics

First recorded in 1850–55; see origin at orthopedic, -ics

Explanation

Use the noun orthopedics when you're talking about the medical specialty that treats the spine and joints. The name of the branch of medicine concerned with deformities of the spine and joints may be puzzling for Greek-root fans, who will notice the presence of elements that mean "straight," "right," "true," and "child." The name is the work of one of the branch's pioneers, Nicolas Andry de Bois-Regard, who wrote a 1741 work called "Orthopaedia: or the Art of Correcting and Preventing Deformities in Children."

Example Sentences

The former University of Washington defender is part of soccer’s disturbing statistic where one in 19 female players will rupture their anterior cruciate ligament during their career, according to the Journal of Orthopedics.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 30, 2024

“I, and many others, have exhausted all the appropriate channels in our department, our institution, and our human resources system to encourage the Department of Orthopedics to address these issues,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023

Steindler’s Orthopedics announced this month it has purchased land at Forevergreen Road and I-380.

From Washington Times • Mar. 13, 2021

A more recent study published in the June 2020 issue of The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics analyzed 7 studies on orthodontics and oral health.

From Slate • Jul. 27, 2020

“The only reason it has continued is that patients are asleep,” said Rickert, president of the Society for Patient-Centered Orthopedics, a consumer group.

From Washington Post • Jul. 10, 2017