Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the skeletal system and its interconnecting parts. These parts include the: bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, etc. Orthopedists treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions may be present from birth, or they may occur as a result of injury or age-related wear and tear. Below are some of the most common conditions that an orthopedist may treat: joint pain from arthritis bone fractures soft tissue (muscle, tendon, and ligament) injuries back pain neck pain shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis carpal tunnel syndrome overuse and sports injuries, including tendinitis, meniscus tears, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears congenital conditions, such as clubfoot and scoliosis