An X-ray machine is one of the many tools used by an orthopedist
The medical discipline of orthopedics deals with the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and skin. Orthopedics is partially a surgical discipline though orthopedists also have non-surgical applications. The orthopedic process includes not only surgical tools, but medicinal, physical and rehabilitation methods. Surgery may be seen as a last resort to restore function of the musculoskeletal system after an accident or an illness if medical or rehabilitative methods cannot be used.
X-ray Machine
In some cases an X-ray machine is vital to the diagnosis process of the orthopedist. The orthopedist uses X-ray machines on a regular basis if not every day. An X-ray machine can show the orthopedist the discrepancies inside the musculoskeletal system of the patient and allow them a better handle on the problem that the patient is facing. An X-ray machine can be used to diagnose many problems inside the body through pictures the machine takes of the inner workings of the skeletal system.
Specialist Tools
Many of the tools an orthopedist uses share the same name as tools commonly used by a carpenter. Hammers, saws and drills are all tools that the orthopedist uses for various jobs such as chiseling away at bunion-afflicted joints or sawing through a bone to make a clean repair. An orthopedist needs to use a drill to make holes for screws to bind metal to bone in broken legs and arms on occasion.
Binding Tools
As mentioned earlier, tools orthopedists use resemble carpenter tools. These include screws and cement. Screws are used to hold a bone in place as the orthopedist applies a metal splint to a cracked bone. Drills are used to make riveted holes in the bone, the metal is placed over the holes and screws are driven into the bone to hold the pieces of metal in place on the bones. When screws are not the best option for this procedure, a metal wire can be tightly and securely wrapped around the bone holding the metal splint flat against the bone. Cement, for example, is used when there is a shattered bone in a leg or arm, and the pieces of bone are needed to be affixed together for the healing process. Screws are also used to hold joints in place after a surgery. The screws may come out after the healing process or they may be a permanent addition to the joint.
Tags: musculoskeletal system, orthopedist uses, X-ray machine, healing process, holes screws, metal splint