The world of orthopedic surgery has experienced dramatic advances in the last 30 years. With the advent of new materials and plastics to use, as well as new technology, orthopedic surgery has grown leaps and bounds. Several of the latest life saving advances will be explored in this article. Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery can be described as any surgery involving the repair of the human musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons can be found in every hospital, in virtually every country in the world.

With such an important emphasis on this field, it is interesting to note that it is a highly competitive and specialized field. In the United States alone there are 20,400 practicing surgeons alone. Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is the practice of surgery using an endoscopic instrument. This instrument was a technological triumph, because of its many benefits. Developed in the 1960's it was only used for knee surgery.

More recent times however have discovered more uses for this instrument. Orthopedic surgeons can now explore and repair any joint or section of the human body without performing invasive surgery. Joint and Knee Arthroplasty

In the advent of surgical modernization, arthroplasty has also reached a new level of improvement. Previously, joints and knees were replaced with metal and steel ball bearings that were difficult to maneuver and dangerous to a patient's health. With the new introduction of polyethylene, a type of plastic, joints can be replaced and maneuvered with smooth and natural-like movements.

New material has also been developed in the area of bone replacement. Using demineralised bone matrix; orthopedic surgeons can now replace fractured and segmented bone. The bones are strong enough to be naturally functional in a new patient. Digital Imaging

Ultra Sounds have also been introduced in the last 30 years and are used differently. In the field of orthopedic surgery, Ultrasounds have recently been used to discover joint damage and areas identified for repair. Ultra sounds are much less invasive or hazardous than an x-ray. Digital X-rays are now taken as snap shots using an ultrasound machine, which has allowed reduced ailments from the risk of radioactive exposure.

Other advances in medical imaging have led to a complete redesign in the usage of MRI and CAT scan. 20 week 3d ultrasound arizona Originally only viewable in 1 or 2 dimensions, a 3-D interactive image can now be scanned and copied. This technique is useful in identifying ligament and muscle tissue tears as well as spinal cord injuries and imperfections. This is also useful in the diagnosis of degenerative muscle and joint disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

The latest advancements in orthopedic surgery owe its thanks to the latest technological developments of our century. New materials and computer imaging have been integrated for usage in the human body.

These advancements are only a glimpse of what we have to look forward to in the future. With the advancements coming, orthopedic surgeons are aiming to better diagnose a patient and hope one day be able to repair the human body in the least invasive way possible.