Orthopedic surgery
![](/Images/godic/202501/31/Teardrop_fracture0530.jpg")
![Hugh Owen Thomas, a pioneer of modern orthopedic surgery.](/Images/godic/202501/31/Hugh_Owen_Thomas0530.jpg")
![X-ray of a hip replacement.](/Images/godic/202501/31/Hip_replacement_Image_3684-PH0530.jpg")
![This image, taken in September 2006, shows extensive repair work to the right acetabulum 6 years after it was carried out (2000). Further damage to the joint is visible due to the onset of arthritis - a bone/joint disease.](/Images/godic/202501/31/Repair-of-fracture-to-right-acetabulum0530.jpg")
Orthopaedic surgery or orthopaedics (sometimes spelled orthopedic surgery and orthopedics) is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.