rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryorthopedicCare of bones, joints, and muscles
adjective

orthopedic

or-thuh-PEE-dik/ˌɔrθʌpˈidɪk/

Relating to the treatment or support of bones, joints, and muscles.

The orthopedic clinician examines the patient's knee beside a model of the joint.

Orthopedic clinician examines a patient's knee beside anatomically clear joint model, calm clinical consultation.
Etymology
orthoGreekstraight, correct
+pedGreekchild
+icFrenchrelating to

“Straight” and “child” reflect the original concern with correcting bodily deformities in children. That medical scope expanded to people generally, giving the word its broader association with treatment of bones, joints, and muscles.

In context

Armando Hasudungan3:14
a serious orthopedic surgery such as of the hip or knee
Pulmonary Embolism - Overview

More examples

  • An orthopedic specialist examines his injured shoulder.
  • She needs orthopedic surgery to repair her damaged knee.
  • The orthopedic brace keeps his wrist stable while it heals.

Forms

orthopedic

orthopedics noun — Medical specialty treating bones, joints, and muscles.

orthopedist noun — Doctor specializing in bone, joint, and muscle care.

Similar words

musculoskeletal
Describes bones, joints, and muscles, not specifically their treatment.
therapeutic
Describes treatment generally, not specifically bone, joint, or muscle care.