Understanding Plastic & Orthopaedic Surgery - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Understanding Plastic & Orthopaedic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a unique medical specialty in that it combines the talent of an artist with the highly refined technical skills of a surgeon. Just as no two people are identical, no two procedures are the same. Every surgery is customized to accommodate the uniqueness of the individual's physical structure.

Plastic surgery is derived from the Greek word "plastikos" meaning 'to mold or give form.' The specialty of plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic (aesthetic) and reconstructive surgeries. Reconstructive surgery is performed to repair disfigurement caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumor, or disease. Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve or enhance the appearance. Both types of surgery can be complex and require a fully trained and experienced surgeon.

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

Orthopaedic Surgery is a unique medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, care, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. As a musculoskeletal specialist, the orthopaedic surgeon's scope of practice includes disorders of the body's bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

Since its origins, specialists in orthopaedics have treated individuals suffering from spine and limb deformities. The Greek roots of orthopaedics are from the words "ortho" meaning 'straight' and "pais" meaning 'child,' as the early orthopaedists often used braces or other forms of treatment to enable the child to stand straight.