Whatʼs New in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation

Abstract

Orthopaedic rehabilitation involves the care of patients who have complex musculoskeletal problems that are global in nature rather than being limited to one or tv^^o anatomic locations. It is a specialty that combines biomechanics and biology in a unique manner with an approach that focuses on improving the functional outcome for individuals with musculoskeletal disability through surgical and nonsurgical management.This specialty encompasses patients of all ages, a broad range of anatomic locations, and a variety of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Orthopaedic rehabilitation comprises all of the traditional orthopaedic subspecialties, including amputation surgery, prosthetic and orthotic management, neuromuscular diseases, and a variety of other neurologic disorders, with a focus on the musculoskeletal system as a whole as well as on the linkages and couplings between bones, joints, muscles, and the nervous system. This specialty update highlights presentations and advances in several areas of orthopaedic rehabilitation in recent times. Some abstracts of notable studies in this area of expertise are also succinctly summarized.