Orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and skin. These elements form the musculoskeletal system. The physicians who specialize in this area are called orthopedic surgeons or orthopedists. Orthopedists are involved in all aspects of heath care pertaining to the musculoskeletal system. They use medical, physical and rehabilitative methods as well as surgery. As much as 50 percent of the orthopedist's practice is devoted to non-surgical or medical management of injuries or disease and 50 percent to surgical management. Surgery may be needed to restore function lost as a result of injury or disease of bones, joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves or skin.