Definition: Orthopaedic pertains to the branch of medicine dealing with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures such as tendons and ligaments. This field encompasses a range of treatments including surgery, physical therapy, and the use of braces or supports.
Etymology and Origin: The word ‘orthopaedic’ comes from the Greek ‘orthos’, meaning ‘straight’, ‘correct’, or ‘true’, and ‘paideia’, meaning ‘child-rearing’ or ‘education’. It was first used in the early 18th century by French physician Nicholas Andry in his work on the correction of spinal deformity in children. The term initially focused on paediatric skeletal deformities but expanded to include all ages and aspects of the musculoskeletal system.
