If you want to know just how complex and sophisticated your musculoskeletal system is, ask someone who designs robots. So far, nobody has come up with a “mechanical man” that can match the human body for durable construction and fluid movement. Hundreds of components fit together in an ever-changing structure that gives the body its strength, stability and mobility. And if you need help with a musculoskeletal problem, ask a specialist in orthopaedics.
The Body’s Frame
Two hundred and six bones comprise the human skeleton. It provides the frame that muscles work against to produce movement and also protects internal organs from injury. Bones get their strength from a hard outer layer composed mainly of calcium and other minerals. Within the center of most bones, soft tissue called marrow manufactures the body’s blood cells.
Bones come together in joints, some rigid and some that allow motion. Within the joints, cartilage covers the ends of the bones to cushion and protect them. Ligaments surrounding most joints connect the bones together. Posture and movement come from skeletal muscles that are attached to the bones by tendons. Where any of these components could rub against each other, fluid-filled sacs called bursas provide protection.
Orthopaedic Disorders
Movement and exercise, which help to keep the musculoskeletal system healthy, can also lead to many of the problems treated by orthopaedic surgeons. Pain and loss of function can come from excessive wear, injury or inflammation. Some of the most common problems include sports injuries, pulled muscles, strained ligaments and dislocated joints.
Inflammation can result from tissue irritation or damage, or can be caused by inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The more common osteoarthritis involves degeneration of the joints. Bones and joints can become infected, causing serious debilitation if not properly treated. Non-cancerous tumors in the bones are relatively common while cancerous bone tumors are rare. However, bone cancer can spread to other tissues and organs.
 |
Vertebra
|
The spinal column, made up of sections of bone called vertebrae, can require specialized care for injuries, tumors and degenerative diseases. Scoliosis, which is abnormal curvature of the spine, can begin in childhood and if severe can result in permanent deformity.
Often, treatment for an orthopaedic condition involves relieving discomfort and prescribing rest to allow the problem to heal. Hot or cold compresses, splints and bandages can help this self-healing. Medications may be used to combat inflammation or infection. More serious injuries or degeneration of joints may require surgery. Successful replacement of severely damaged joints with artificial ones has become commonplace. Various types of therapy help patients overcome the limitations of orthopaedic disorders.
Orthopaedics has become a Center of Excellence at NorthShore University HealthSystem. Our specialists provide comprehensive care for people of all ages with musculoskeletal injuries and diseases. Specialized areas of expertise include treatment of spinal conditions and deformities in both children and adults, repair of injured or impaired shoulders, treatment or reconstruction of damaged knees and hips, and repair of hand or arm disorders and birth defects.
You can use this web site to learn more about disorders of the musculoskeletal system, get information on specific procedures or programs, find an orthopaedic surgeon, and much more.