Orthopedics is the field of medicine concerned with the study, research, and treatment of the musculoskeletal system (particularly the bones, joints, muscles, nerves, etc.). Orthopedic medicine was first developed to treat children who had crippling or debilitating bone related diseases. Anytime that there is a suspected traumatic or repetitive motion injury to a bone, joint, tendon or nerve, an orthopedic doctor is often your best choice for treatment.
In fact, the word “orthopaedic” is derived from the Greek words “ortho,” meaning straight, and “pais,” meaning children or pediatric. Although that’s the root of the word, 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 of conditions treated by orthopedic medicine.
While there are many general orthopedists, quite a few physicians specialize in specific parts of the anatomy, or certain diseases. Inside the big umbrella of orthopedics there are a number of specialties, including: Arthritis and osteoarthritis, back and spine surgery, hand surgery, shoulder injuries and replacement, injury care including fractures and trauma, pain management, foot & ankle surgery, sports medicine, and more.
The Team Approach to Orthopedics:
The team approach to orthopedic care is designed around a physician team approach, rather than an approach utilizing staff to cover a variety of physicians. In the orthopedic field, each physician specializes in something, and then hand selects a team of medical and administrative professionals who work together to care for each patient. Team members work closely together; they know each other, and they know their physician’s preferences.
Benefits of Visiting A Large Practice:
In the field of orthopedics, the benefits of a large practice are that you are the center of the care team, and an informed and active participant in your care as a patient. Also, as a patient, you benefit from better coordination of care, improved quality of care, decreased health care costs and an enhanced experience of patient service. A large orthopedic practice gives you options and multiple opinions from different specialists, all contributing to providing the best care and quality of life possible, helping speed up recovery to get back to a normal happy life.
For more than 40 years, Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland has provided the highest standard of orthopedic care for patients of all ages in Catonsville, Columbia and Eldersburg, as well as nearby in the Annapolis, Washington, DC and Montgomery County areas. As our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors continue the traditions of our founding physicians – Dr. John Tansey and Dr. Kenneth Spence – we employ sophisticated advances and specialties in the field of orthopedic medicine, such as arthroscopic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, joint replacement, sports medicine, onsite diagnostic imagery, outpatient surgery, and physical therapy rehabilitation for the full spectrum of joint, bone, muscle, back, and related pain conditions and injuries.
When looking to get orthopedic care, it is important to take into consideration the condition that needs treatment. Finding a specialist for your specific issue can speed along the healing process greatly. Call Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland at (410) 644-1880 to request an appointment or use our online appointment request form.
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