Orthopedic Conditions
Orthopedic conditions encompass a wide range of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. These conditions can result from injury, disease, aging, or developmental factors.
Browse Conditions by Body Region
Shoulder
Knee
Lumbar Spine
Ankle & Foot
Hand & Wrist
Upper Extremity Fractures
Systemic & Metabolic Conditions
Sports & Overuse Injuries
Pediatric & Developmental Conditions
Preparing for an appointment? See our Orthopedic Evaluation guide
Understanding the Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system provides form, support, stability, and movement to the human body. It consists of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together.
When any component of this system is affected by disease or injury, it can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. Orthopedic medicine focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing these conditions to help maintain or restore function.
Categories of Orthopedic Conditions
Orthopedic conditions can be broadly categorized based on their cause or the type of tissue affected:
Degenerative Conditions
These conditions develop gradually over time, often associated with aging or wear and tear. Examples include osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. These conditions typically involve the gradual breakdown of cartilage or other tissues that protect and cushion the joints.
Traumatic Injuries
Acute injuries resulting from falls, accidents, sports, or other physical trauma. These include fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains. Traumatic injuries can affect any part of the musculoskeletal system and range from minor to severe.
Inflammatory Conditions
Conditions characterized by inflammation of joint tissues or other structures. Rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis are examples of inflammatory conditions. These may be caused by autoimmune processes, overuse, or infection.
Developmental and Congenital Conditions
Conditions present at birth or that develop during childhood. These include scoliosis, hip dysplasia, and clubfoot. Developmental conditions may be identified early in life or may not become apparent until later.
Common Anatomical Areas Affected
Orthopedic conditions can affect virtually any part of the body, though certain areas are more commonly involved:
The spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) regions, is frequently affected by conditions such as disc herniation, stenosis, and degenerative changes.
Major joints including the hip, knee, and shoulder are common sites of both degenerative conditions like arthritis and traumatic injuries. The hand and wrist, as well as the foot and ankle, are also frequent areas of orthopedic concern.
Understanding the specific anatomy and mechanics of each region helps in diagnosing conditions and determining appropriate treatment approaches.
Orthopedic Condition Types at a Glance
This comparison helps illustrate the key differences between types of orthopedic conditions:
| Type | Onset | Common Causes | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degenerative | Gradual over years | Aging, wear and tear, repetitive stress | Osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis |
| Traumatic | Sudden (acute) | Falls, accidents, sports injuries | Fractures, ACL tear, dislocations, sprains |
| Inflammatory | Variable (acute or chronic) | Autoimmune, overuse, infection | Rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis |
| Developmental | Present at birth or childhood | Genetic factors, growth abnormalities | Scoliosis, hip dysplasia, clubfoot |
| Overuse | Gradual over weeks to months | Repetitive motion, improper technique | Tennis elbow, stress fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome |
Seeking Medical Evaluation
If you experience persistent pain, reduced mobility, swelling, or other symptoms affecting your musculoskeletal system, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. A proper evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Early evaluation and treatment of orthopedic conditions can often lead to better outcomes and may help prevent progression or complications.