Orthopedics, also known as orthopedic surgery, is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the skeletal system and its interconnecting parts. These parts include the following:

• bones
• muscles
• joints
• tendons
• ligaments
• nerves

There are generally two types of orthopedists: surgical and nonsurgical. The former are called orthopedic surgeons, while nonsurgical orthopedists include physiatrists and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists.

An orthopedist often works as part of a larger orthopedic treatment team. This team may include:

• physician assistants
• nurse practitioners
• occupational and physical therapists
• athletic trainers