Updated January 2026
Just for fun: A list of random orthopedic facts, history and trivia
We’re compiling a growing list of fun, orthopedic-related tidbits on this page so you can pack your brain full of trivia!
1 Spot the fake
X-rays are used frequently by orthopedic surgeons to help reveal bone fractures and other musculoskeletal issues. As it turns out, x-rays can also help reveal if a diamond is real. Despite being one of the hardest substances on Earth, a diamond is almost invisible in an x-ray. The reason, without going into too much detail about attenuation coefficient, is because diamonds have a low atomic mass (12). Cubic zirconia crystals, on the other hand, have a much higher atomic mass (91).
2 is it a crush?
Theoretically, a one-inch cube of bone can withstand the crushing weight of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Topping out at an estimated 15,500 pounds, a T. rex falls short of the compressive weight a cubic inch of bone can support, which is 19,000 pounds. While our bones have excellent compressive strength, their ability to absorb shear force is not quite as impressive, especially if delivered quickly (in other words, don’t let a T. rex take you out you with its tail).
3 500 tons
With every step, the force absorbed by your foot is the equivalent of 1.2 times your body weight. So, if you weigh 130 pounds and take between 8,000 and 10,000 steps a day, that adds up to about 1.5 million pounds (500 tons).
4 Getting Old
There’s no sugar coating this. Yes, people age 65 or older are about 50% more likely to seek treatment for trauma, back pain, arthritis, or another types of musculoskeletal conditions than younger adults. The good news is that orthopedic doctors and physical therapists can advise you on preventative measures so you can beat the odds.
5 Tech Neck
As our time spent on various electronic devices increases, it’s important to understand the risk of neck problems. Tilting your head down just 15 degrees increases the weight your neck needs to support from 11 to 27 pounds. Over time, holding up those 27 pounds can translate into neck pain and stiffness, headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms and hands, and other symptoms associated with repetitive stress and disc compression.
6 Orthopedic Origin
Orthopedic surgery was developed in France to correct deformities in children. Nicholas Andry, a professor of medicine at the University of Paris, coined the word “orthopédie” in 1741 by joining the Greek words orthos (straight) and paidion (child) for his book titled “L'orthopédie ou l'art de prévenir et de corriger dans les enfants les difformités du corps.” Orthopedics has since broadened to include all ages of people.
7 an old wives' tale
While the sound can be annoying to some people, truth is, cracking your knuckles does not increase your chances of developing arthritis. The sound you hear is simply nitrogen releasing from the liquid in your joints.
8 another 14 Years
High school graduates: Thinking about pursuing a career as an orthopedic surgeon? Be prepared for the long haul. Let’s add it up: 4 years of an undergraduate degree plus 4 in medicine plus 5 in a residency program and 1 in fellowship. As an example, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who begins practicing in 2026 would have started college in 2012. Which seems like eons ago when you think about it (2012 was the year the Curiosity rover landed on Mars).
9 success story
In all of medicine, knee replacements have one of the highest percentages of success. In fact, 85 percent still function 20 years after surgery. Compare that track record to automobiles, where less than 10 percent are still on the road after 20 years.
10 Twist of Fate
The most famous orthopedic surgeon in history was famous for something other than orthopedics. After studying orthopedic medicine, training as an orthopedic surgeon, and teaching orthopedics at a university, Frederick G. Banting ended up becoming famous for the discovery of insulin. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923 at the age of 32.
11 At a Loss for bones
We have about 60 fewer bones as adults than we did as newborns. Weird, right? The reason is a process called ossification, which causes our bones to fuse together. After being born with a soft, flexible skeleton, cartilage is replaced by mineralized bone throughout childhood.
12 Dry as a Bone?
Bones are commonly perceived as dry and hard but they’re actually made of living tissue and are constantly growing and regenerating.
13 Long Neck
Despite the obvious difference in length, human necks and giraffe necks both have seven cervical spine vertebrae. In fact, nearly all mammals have seven vertebrae. The only exceptions are sloths and manatees.
14 Very Productive
Bone marrow, the spongy substance found in the center of your bones, stays very busy producing 2,000,000 red blood cells every second (to replenish the 2,000,000 blood cells that die every second). Your bone marrow also stays busy producing white blood cells and platelets.
15 Too Young?
Despite the common misperception, you can’t be “too young” for a joint replacement. Age is just one variable among several other important considerations when evaluating the need for a joint replacement.
16 “Motion is Lotion”
It sounds logical that if your joint is damaged, the stress of exercise will cause even more damage, right? Actually, the lack of exercise can cause your joints to become even more stiff and painful. A physical therapist is a great resource for the types of exercises and activities you can enjoy, even with osteoarthritis.
The information on this blog should not be considered medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
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