Orthopedic trinity: Arthroscopy, sports medicine, and regenerative orthopedics

Musculoskeletal conditions are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, necessitating the development of effective, specialized treatment approaches. In response, orthopedic practice has evolved into three distinct specialties: Arthroscopy, sports medicine, and regenerative orthopedics. Each domain represents a fundamentally different approach to musculoskeletal care: Arthroscopy addresses structural pathology through surgical intervention, sports medicine optimizes function through rehabilitation, and regenerative orthopedics modulates healing through biological therapies. These distinct methodologies serve different patient populations and clinical scenarios, requiring specialized training, equipment, and expertise. This review explores the historical evolution, unique therapeutic modalities, and independent clinical applications of these three fields, with emphasis on the Indian orthopedic landscape. Through a narrative synthesis of literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and peer-reviewed Indian sources, we delineate specific indications, outcome metrics, and innovations unique to each specialty. The future of orthopedic care lies not in forced integration but in the strategic application of the most appropriate specialty for each clinical scenario, ensuring optimal resource utilization and maintaining clinical excellence within each distinct discipline.