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3 Kinds of Orthopedic Impairments

21 October 2021

Edward Payne

Physicians and surgeons who practice orthopedic medicine specialize in conditions that affect the body's musculoskeletal system. Tendons, bones, and joints are all parts of the body that make up the musculoskeletal system. This system provides support for the body and enables the body to move. The musculoskeletal system is susceptible to a variety of impairments.

Here are three kinds of orthopedic impairments that are especially common.

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a type of orthopedic impairment that occurs when the joints become painful and swollen. Some of the most common kinds of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Juvenile arthritis
• Gout
• Scleroderma

Some of these types of arthritis are genetic while others are primarily caused by wear and tear on certain joints. Arthritis can also be caused when the body's immune system attacks the joints.

Pain medications, joint immobilization, and massage are some ways to relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Severe cases of arthritis may require joint replacement surgery.

2. Repetitive Strain Injuries

When a part of the musculoskeletal system repeats the same motion over and over again it can result in a repetitive strain injury. Some people acquire repetitive strain injuries at work. One example is those who work at a computer and repeatedly use their hands, wrists, and fingers. This repeated use can result in a repetitive strain injury called carpal tunnel syndrome. Since athletes who golf or play tennis repeatedly use certain parts of their body, they are susceptible to repetitive strain injuries as well.

Some of the most common repetitive strain injuries include:

• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Ganglion cysts
• Trigger finger
• Tennis elbow

Orthopedic treatment options for repetitive strain injuries include pain relievers, physical therapy, splints, and resting the affected part of the body.

3. Fractures

When a part of the bone cracks or breaks, it's called a fracture. Most fractures occur when there is trauma to the bone. This trauma can be a result of an accident, fall, or blunt force. Fractures are quite common in the wrists, ankles, hips, collar bone, legs, and arms.

Fractures are broken down into these categories: 

• Compound fracture. The bone protrudes through the skin.
• Communicated fracture. The bone breaks in several places.
• Greenstick fracture. Only one side of the bone gets broken.
• Stress fracture. There are tiny breaks in the bones.

Orthopedic treatment for fractures usually involves a brace or cast to immobilize the bone until it heals. In certain instances, resetting the bone may require surgery or the insertion of metal rods.

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