The Musculoskeletal System

Abstract

The practice of orthopaedics originated in the early years of medical history as a manipulative group of treatments. This is evident in the derivation of the word orthopaedic from two Greek words, orthos meaning straight and paidios meaning child—“straight child.” In the early days treatment was therefore directed to the correction of children’s deformities.¹ However, from this very singular objective, orthopaedics has expanded to include the prevention and total treatment of any injury, disease, or deformity involving not only the bone and joint system of the body but also the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and even the vascular system. Therefore, as an “all-encompassing” phase of medicine, it assumes a very important role in the career of the family practitioner. A great number of the patients whom the family practitioner sees in his office will suffer sprains, strains, contusions, fractures, and dislocations involving the extremities and back, as well as infections of soft tissues, inflammations of muscles, bursae and tendons, and various mechanical problems associated with motion and locomotion.^2,3 Most of these persons can be cared for by the family physician.