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

“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

Phillips was on medical staff at Swedish between 1998 and 2005 with Seattle Orthopedics, Swedish spokesperson Natalie Kozimor confirmed Thursday.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 2, 2022

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

“We do too many knee replacements,” said James Rickert, president of the Society for Patient Centered Orthopedics, which advocates for affordable health care, in an interview.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2018

Once a week, she meets with physical therapist Mitch Kary at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Stillwater and works on strength and balance exercises.

From Washington Times • Oct. 13, 2018