Orthopaedics
Orthopaedics focuses on conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles and ligaments. It includes treatments for issues such as arthritis, sports injuries and joint damage, with common procedures including hip and knee replacements, ligament repairs and spinal surgery.
On the NHS, orthopaedics is one of the most backlogged specialties. It represents a significant portion of the 7.2 million cases on waiting lists, with patients often facing long delays for treatment. During this time, symptoms can worsen and mobility can decline.