 | Langdon Hartsock, MD |
Welcome to the MUSC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Web site. Orthopaedics is the surgical specialty concerned with the preservation and restoration of the body's musculoskeletal system. Encompassing more than 70 percent of the total body, the musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles and allows you to move and be active. The word "orthopaedics" is derived from the Greek "orthos pais," which means "straight child" and describes the origin of this profession. Orthopaedics was once devoted solely to the care of children with spine and limb deformities. However, this specialty was expanded from the correction of deformities in children to embrace all aspects of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons help newborns with dislocated hips, athletes with torn ligaments and older people with arthritis manage special problems in many areas of the musculoskeletal system. At MUSC, we offer high quality orthopaedic care in an academic medical center environment. Our vision is to be the premier orthopaedic provider in our care center. Our mission is to provide superb clinical care to our patients, educate the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons, and expand the orthopaedic knowledge base through basic, clinical and translational research. Please browse our site and feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions. |