adjective

orthopedic

/ˌɔːrθəˈpiːdɪk/ · say it: or·thuh·PEE·dik

relating to bones, joints, and muscles

In Medicine & Health

In more detail

1. (adjective) relating to the medical treatment of problems with bones, joints, and muscles

2. (adjective) designed to support or correct problems with the skeleton or posture

Examples

1. She saw an orthopedic surgeon after breaking her ankle.
2. He wears orthopedic shoes to help with his foot pain.

How to use orthopedic

Orthopedic is used in both clinical and consumer contexts to describe medical specialties, treatments, and products. In healthcare, it refers to the branch of medicine dealing with bone and joint disorders; in consumer products, it describes items designed to provide structural support or correct alignment issues. The term is technical but widely understood by general audiences.

Common phrases

orthopedic surgeon
orthopedic implant
orthopedic shoe
orthopedic mattress
orthopedic device
orthopedic treatment

Synonyms

musculoskeletal · skeletal · orthopedic surgery-related · postural · corrective

Word family

orthopedics · orthopedist

A common mistake

Learners sometimes misspell it as 'orthopaedic' (the British variant spelling), which is correct in British English but not in American English. Some also confuse it with orthodontic, which relates to teeth alignment.

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