What is orthopedic?

Its a medical study and research of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, nerves,tendon
and ligaments)which is known as orthopedics. Orthopedics was first developed to treat
children who had crippling, debilitating diseases and limb deformities . In fact the word
orthopedic is derived from the Greek words ortho, meaning straight, and pais, meaning
children or pediatric. Modern orthopedic physicians treat everyone, no matter their age. In
general chronic pain, rheumatic diseases, musculoskeletal injuries and arthritis all are part of
the large umbrella orthopedics.
The person who is specialised in the field of orthopaedic is called an orthopaedic surgeon.
And his roles are as follow

Diagnosis of your injury or disorder

Treatment with medication, exercise, surgery or other treatment plans
Rehabilitation by recommending exercises or physical therapy to restore movement,
strength and function
Prevention with information and treatment plans to prevent injury or slow the
progression of diseases

What is the types,cause and consequence of fracture?

There several types of fractures such as

complete
incomplete
compound
simple

Complete and incomplete fractures mean the way the bone breaks. In a complete fracture, the
bone breaks into two or more parts but in an incomplete fracture, the bone cracks but does not
break all the way through. While in a compound fracture which is also called an open
fracture, the bone breaks through the skin. It may then recede back into the wound, so it is no
longer visible through the skin. In a simple fracture, also called a closed fracture, the bone
breaks but there is no open wound in the skin.
A simple fracture can further be broke down into:

Greenstick fracture: an incomplete fracture in which the bone is bent. This type of
fracture occurs most often in children.
Transverse fracture: a fracture at a right angle to the bone's axis.
Oblique fracture: a fracture in which the break is at an angle to the bones axis.
Comminuted fracture: a fracture in which the bone fragments into several pieces.
An impacted fracture is one whose ends are driven into each other. This commonly
occurs with arm fractures in children and is sometimes known as a buckle fracture.

CAUSES?
Majority of bone fractures occur because of high force impact or stress on a bone. However, a
fracture may also be the result of some underlying medical conditions which weaken the

bones, for example osteoporosis and some cancers. The risk of fracture increases as we age
because, in old age, our bones can withstand less force.

CONSEQUENCES OF FRACTURE?
According to ncbi research, it show that 40% of patients are still unable to walk
independently, 60% have difficulty with at least one essential activity of daily living, and
80% are restricted in other activities, such as driving and grocery shopping. Moreover, 27%
of these patients enter a nursing home for the first time.
THE SURGICAL METHOD TO HEAL FRACTURE
While you are pain-free under general or local anesthesia, a surgical cut is made over the
fractured bone. The bone is placed in the proper position. Screws, pins, or plates are attached
to or placed in the bone temporarily or permanently. Long bones may be fixed with nails
placed in the bone cavity.
Any disrupted blood vessels are tied off or burned (cauterized). If a lot of bone has been lost
due to the fracture (especially if there is a gap between the broken bone ends), the surgeon
may decide to do a bone graft. Bone grafting may be performed using the patient's own bone,
usually taken from the hip. Or, bone taken from a donor can be used.
If bone grafting is not necessary, the fracture can be repaired by the following methods:

One or more screws may be inserted across the break to hold it.
A steel plate held by screws may be drilled into the bone.
A long, thick metal pin (sometimes called a rod or nail) with holes in it may be driven
down the shaft of the bone from one end. Screws are then passed through the bone
and through a hole in the pin.

In some cases, blood vessels and nerves are repaired with microsurgery. The opening in the
skin is then closed. If the broken bone has pierced the skin, the bone ends need to be washed
with sterile fluid in the operating room to prevent infection. The washing process may need to
be repeated if the wound is dirty or becomes infected.

WHAT IS BONE GRAFTING?

Autograft bone harvested from the patients own body, often from the iliac crest
Allograft (cadaveric bone usually obtained from a bone bank)
Synthetic (often made of hydroxyapatite or other naturally occurring and
biocompatible substances)
Xenograft : a graft of tissue taken from a donor of one species and grafted into a
recipient of another species called also heterograft

Most bone grafts are expected to be reabsorbed and replaced as the natural bone heals
over a few months time.

REFERENCE

Read more: Fracture - Types - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs |

Medindia http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/fracture.htm#ixzz2sMZlqTKB
http://www.ibji.com/blog/2011-12-08/what-is-orthopedics
Walker JL et al: Adult outcomes following amputation or lengthening for fibular
deficiency. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2009;91(4): 797804. [PubMed: 19339563]
http://www.webmd.boots.com/a-to-z-guides/bone-fractures-types-symptomsprevention
Browner BD, DeAngelis JP. Emergency care of musculoskeletal injuries. In:
Townsend CM Jr., Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of
Surgery . 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 21.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9302893