🏥 Medical Encyclopedia
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Human skeleton
Orthopedics is the medical specialty that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
🦴 Key Fact: The human skeleton consists of 206 bones, with the femur being the longest and strongest bone.
Skeletal Components
- Axial Skeleton: Skull, spine, ribs, sternum (80 bones)
- Appendicular Skeleton: Limbs, pelvis, shoulders (126 bones)
Common Orthopedic Conditions
| Condition | Description | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis | Joint degeneration | 500 million |
| Osteoporosis | Decreased bone density | 200 million |
| Fractures | Broken bones | 1 billion annually |
| Back Pain | Lower back disorders | 600 million |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Autoimmune joint inflammation | 20 million |
Orthopedic Treatments
- Surgical: Joint replacement, fracture fixation, arthroscopy
- Non-surgical: Physical therapy, medications, splints, braces
- Rehabilitation: Post-surgical recovery and strengthening