Orthopedic

Orthopedic

Orthopedics, also known as orthopedic surgery, is a medical specialty focused on conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones and muscles. Orthopedic surgeons utilize both surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat a wide range of issues such as musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

In the United States, orthopedic surgeons typically complete four years of undergraduate education followed by four years of medical school. Subsequently, they undergo residency training in orthopedic surgery, which consists of one year of general surgery training followed by four years of specialized orthopedic surgery training.

Many orthopedic surgeons choose to pursue further training, known as fellowships, after completing their residency. These fellowship programs, typically lasting one to two years, offer specialized training in various orthopedic subspecialties, often including a research component alongside clinical and operative training.

Examples of orthopedic subspecialties in the United States include hand surgery, shoulder and elbow surgery, total joint reconstruction (arthroplasty), pediatric orthopedics, foot and ankle surgery, spine surgery, musculoskeletal oncology, surgical sports medicine, and orthopedic trauma. It's worth noting that these specialty areas may also be practiced by other medical professionals such as plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and podiatrists.

In Malaysia, orthopedic services have evolved significantly since the establishment of the first orthopedic unit at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital in 1949. The Malaysian Orthopedic Association (MOA), formed in 1967, plays a crucial role in promoting the advancement of orthopedic surgery and allied sciences. With the establishment of medical faculties and orthopedic departments in universities such as the University of Malaya (UM), orthopedic services have expanded to cover the entire country.

Postgraduate courses in orthopedic surgery have been introduced by universities like Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaya (UM), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Despite these developments, the ratio of orthopedic surgeons to the population in Malaysia remains lower than ideal. Efforts are being made by organizations like MOA to increase the number of orthopedic professionals while ensuring the quality of medical care provided.