Orthopedic pathology

[1] Orthopaedic disorders may be congenital and there may be hereditary and environmental factors that can affect the normal functioning of the bones, joints, or muscles.

Individuals who have had bone diseases can experience complications such as extreme pain, fractures, height loss and the ability to be mobile.

In addition to a physical impact, bone disorders can also give rise to psychological ramifications and reflect negatively on an individual's mindset, body image as well as self-esteem, which may result in the individual feeling helpless and yield fears of falling.

The elderly may be more susceptible due to medications they may be taking, worsening in vision as well as decreased ability to use muscle and bones to control balance.

As a common bone disorder, osteoporosis affects a large section of the population, resulting in a reduced quality of life, ill health, a variety of diseases or disabilities and death as a possible consequence.

They can slow the degradation of the skeletal system and decrease the risk of subsequent bone injuries fractures.

In addition to antiresorptives, anabolic therapy can also promote the build up of bones and prevent prospective risks.

Glucocorticoid is produced naturally by the body itself in the form of cortisol, however it is known that high levels of this hormone both naturally and synthetically can result in a decreased ability for the body to form bone cells, instead amplifying the breaking down of bone minerals.

[8] By classifying and understanding the different types of bone diseases, orthopaedic pathologists are able to identify the causes and effects.

[10] There are multiple other bone cancers that are more rare: Chondrosarcoma is identified mainly through the production of cartilage from the cells.

[11] A Chordoma is another type of cancer that slowly grows into nearby bones and many soft tissues in the spine, ranging from the base of the skull to the tailbone.

[17] Neuromotor impairments refer to the conditions that are established at or before birth in the affected person, regarding damage or unnatural behaviors of the brain and spinal cord, or more generally, the Nervous system.

[18] Degenerative diseases are classified due to their nature of destroying Motor neurons, responsible for the movement of all muscle groups within the body.

[19] These disorders or diseases include Carpal tunnel syndrome, Tendonitis, tedndon/muscle/ligament strains and sprains, Spinal disc herniation, and more.

Commonly used techniques include; Arthrography, blood tests and bone scans, Computed Tomography (CT scans) and intrathecal contrast enhanced CT scans, Doppler ultrasonography, Flexibility/range of motion tests, Radiographs (x-rays) and x-ray Absorptiometry, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle tests, physical examinations by observation and Lab studies.

[20] During a Biopsy, depending on the type and location of the tumour, an orthopaedic pathologist will examine the tissue sample removed from the patient and interpret the cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease[21] Image guided biopsies include radiographs (x-rays) and computed tomographies (CT scans).

An example of a disease that is identified through orthopaedic pathology: Comparison of the human body normally (left) with one that has Paget's disease of bone in the pelvic area (right). The bones become fragile and deformed over time as a result.