整形外科
Meanings
orthopedics; orthopedic surgery; orthopaedics
The standard medical meaning: the department or specialty dealing with bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, injuries, back pain, fractures, and similar musculoskeletal problems.
I went to orthopedics for knee pain.
Because I had a fracture, I was referred to the orthopedic department.
plastic surgery; cosmetic surgery
Colloquial or loose use for plastic or cosmetic surgery. In precise medical terminology, 形成外科 refers to plastic/reconstructive surgery and 美容外科 to cosmetic surgery, so this use can sound imprecise.
In conversation, some people use seikei-geka to mean cosmetic surgery.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が整形外科に行くfor someone to go to the orthopedic clinic/department
I hurt my back, so I went to the orthopedic clinic.
- 整形外科で〈物〉を治療するto have something treated at the orthopedic department
I had my fracture treated at the orthopedic department.
- 整形外科を受診するto see a doctor at the orthopedic department
I saw a doctor at the orthopedic department for my knee pain.