Orthopedic surgery is a medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, utilizing both surgical and nonsurgical approaches for trauma, degenerative diseases, sports injuries, and congenital disorders. The term "orthopédie" was coined in 1741 by Nicholas Andry from Greek words meaning "correcting children," reflecting its initial focus on pediatric deformities. Early pioneers like Jean-André Venel established the first orthopedic institute in 1780, developing specialized devices such as the club-foot shoe, while Antonius Mathijsen later invented the crucial plaster of Paris cast in 1851.
The discipline eventually expanded significantly beyond children to encompass all ages and adopted surgical procedures, with figures like Hugh Owen Thomas and Robert Jones being instrumental in advancing modern fracture and musculoskeletal treatment. Notably, the spelling varies between "orthopaedics" (common in the UK and academic US institutions) and "orthopedics" (often used in US hospitals), a linguistic detail reflecting its historical roots.