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Welcome to the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Orthopaedic Surgery website! Orthopaedics is the surgical specialty concerned with the preservation and restoration of the body's musculoskeletal system.  Encompassing over 70% of the total body, the musculoskeletal system includes nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints and allows you to move and be active.

The word Orthopaedics is derived from the Greek "orthos pais" which means "straight child" and describes the origin of this profession. Orthopaedics was once devoted solely to the care of children with spine and limb deformities. However, this specialty has expanded from the correction of deformities in children to embrace all aspects of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.  From newborns with dislocated hips to athletes with torn ligaments to older people with arthritis, orthopaedic surgeons manage special problems in many areas of the musculoskeletal system in patients of all ages.

Orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors with special training in the diagnosis and treatments of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. As many as 14 years of formal training are required to become an orthopaedic surgeon: 4 years of study in a college or university, 4 years of study in a medical school, 5 years of study in an orthopaedic residency, and 1 to 2 optional years of fellowship training. These fellowship years may include further training in treating the foot, hand, shoulder, spine, hip, knee, pediatrics, trauma, or sports medicine. Some orthopaedic surgeons may specialize in several areas.

After completing his or her training and establishing a licensed practice, an orthopaedic surgeon must demonstrate mastery of orthopaedic knowledge by passing written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons are required to attend Continuing Medical Education courses each year to maintain current orthopaedic knowledge and skills.