Orthopaedic and orthopedic are words that have the same meaning, referring to the same medical specialty. Orthopaedics is the original British word. Orthopedics is the Americanized, more common version. Professional organizations tend to use British spelling, while most physicians in the US use them equally. You can use them interchangeably.
About the Author: Paul Norio Morton, MD
Dr. Paul Norio Morton is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon that practices on Oahu and the Big Island. He treats a broad range of orthopedic conditions including arthritis, sports injuries, hip and knee replacements, trauma, and robotic joint arthroplasty. He believes in treating his patients with a holistic approach – incorporating patient’s desires and expectations into the treatment of their musculoskeletal problems.
