Trauma and orthopaedics (orthopaedic surgery)

Introduction

Trauma and orthopaedics is an area of surgery concerned with injuries and conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system (the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, musclesand nerves).

You may bereferred to a trauma and orthopaedic consultantfor treatment ofan injury such as a bone fracture, a deformity of the spine or limbs, or a long-term condition that's developed over many years, such as Osteoarthritis .

Orthopaedic specialists treat people of all ages, including:

  • newborns and children with deformities such ascongenital dislocation of the hip, club foot and scoliosis
  • young people who need joint preserving surgery such as arthroscopic surgery or osteotomy (see below)
  • older peoplewith irreversible degenerative joint problems who need their joints replacing
Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017