Is Orthopaedic and Orthopedic the Same?
Yes, orthopaedic and orthopedic mean the same thing and refer to the same medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of bone, joint, and muscle conditions. The difference between orthopaedic and orthopedic is simply the spelling, not the type of care provided. This is one of the most common points of confusion for patients searching for an orthopedic specialist, especially when they see both versions used across websites, hospitals, and medical offices.
Why Are There Two Spellings for the Same Specialty?
The reason “orthopaedic” and “orthopedic” both exist comes down to language history, not differences in training, treatment, or medical standards. The two spellings reflect regional preferences and the evolution of how the specialty’s name has been adapted over time.
British vs American English
Orthopaedic is the traditional British spelling and is still commonly used in the United Kingdom, Australia, and many academic or research-based institutions. Orthopedic is the simplified American version and is more widely used across the United States, especially in online search and patient-facing materials. Both spellings are medically correct and refer to the same field of medicine.
What Do “Ortho” and “Pedic” Actually Mean?
The word comes from Greek roots. “Ortho” means straight or correct, which explains the ortho meaning tied to alignment and proper movement. “Pedic” originally related to children or growth, since early orthopaedics focused on correcting skeletal deformities in children. Over time, the specialty expanded to treat patients of all ages, but the name remained. This is why you may see both orthopedics and orthopaedics used today, even though they describe the same area of care.
Which Spelling Do Medical Practices Use Today?
Both spellings are still widely used in modern medicine, but the choice often depends on region and institutional tradition. Many hospitals and academic organizations continue to use orthopaedic, reflecting the original British spelling and its long-standing use in medical literature. At the same time, many U.S. practices and search engines favor orthopedic because it is simpler and more commonly used by patients when searching online. Andrews Institute primarily uses the orthopaedic spelling in its branding and clinical language, while also recognizing that patients may search for care using the American spelling. In short, whether you see orthopaedic or orthopedic, both are correct and refer to the same specialty, and understanding how to spell orthopedic simply comes down to which version you are most familiar with.
Does the Spelling Affect the Type of Doctor You See?
No, the spelling does not affect the type of doctor you see or the level of care you receive. Whether a practice uses orthopaedic or orthopedic, the training, expertise, and certification of the physician are the same. Both spellings refer to the same medical specialty focused on treating conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments.
If you are searching for a specialist, you are still seeing the same type of provider, commonly referred to as an orthopedic surgeon, regardless of which spelling is used. The difference is purely linguistic and does not reflect any variation in qualifications or scope of care.
Which Term Should Patients Use When Searching for Care?
For most patients, using orthopedic when searching online is the simplest and most effective option. This spelling is more commonly used in search engines and patient-facing resources, which can make it easier to find local providers, services, and information.At the same time, seeing orthopaedic on a practice’s website (such as Andrews Institute) or signage does not indicate a different specialty or type of care. It reflects traditional medical spelling and institutional preference, not a difference in training or services. Both terms point to the same field and the same type of specialists.