Orthopaedics


ortho-, straight + the Greek paes, child = the practice, literally, of straightening the child. If the child had a crooked spine (scoliosis), it was the job of the orthopaedist to straighten the child, not just the child’s foot. That is why there is no American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery but there is an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery! (And that is also why orthopaedists look after broken bones).

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  • Orthopaedist

    “ortho-“, straight + the Greek “paes”, child = straightening the child. If a child had a crooked spine (scoliosis), it was the job of the orthopaedist to straighten the child, not just the child’s foot.

  • Orthopedics

    The branch of surgery that is broadly concerned with the skeletal system. Sometimes spelled orthopaedics.

  • Orthopedist

    An orthopedic surgeon, a physician who corrects congenital or functional abnormalities of the bones with surgery, casting, and bracing. Orthopedists also treat injuries to the bones. Sometimes spelled orthopaedist.

  • Orthopnea

    The inability to breathe easily except when sitting up straight or standing erect.

  • Orthopod

    Slang term for an orthopedist.


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