Acute or chronic trauma is a common cause for many orthopaedic conditions. Acute trauma is a sudden injury. Chronic trauma is the result of repetitive motions or forces on a joint or joint structure, such as a tendon. These injuries happen gradually over time, such as weeks, months or even years.
Degenerative changes are another common cause of orthopaedic conditions. Joints and joint structures can sustain wear and tear over time. This causes changes that can result in such conditions as osteoarthritis and spine problems.