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Glossary arthritis - inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and sometimes change in structure. arthroscopy - a surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. bunion - an inflammation and thickening of the bursa in the joint of the big toe. bursa - a sac filled with fluid located between a bone and a tendon or muscle. bursitis - repeated small stresses and overuse that cause the bursa to swell and become irritated. CT (computed tomography) scan - a specialized x-ray study that allows careful evaluation of the bone and spinal canal. carpal tunnel syndrome - pressure on the median nerve as it enters the hand through a tunnel in the wrist. cartilage - a smooth material that covers bone ends of a joint to cushion the bone and allow the joint to move easily without pain. contusion - bruise. EMG (electromyogram) - a test to evaluate nerve and muscle function. femur - thighbone. inflammation - a normal reaction to injury or disease, which results in swelling, pain, and stiffness. ganglion cysts - non-cancerous, fluid-filled cysts are common masses or lumps in the hand and usually found on the back of the wrist. hammertoe - a permanent sideways bend in the middle toe joint joint - where the ends of two or more bones meet. ligaments - connect the bones and keep joints stable. Morton's neuroma - A pinched nerve that usually causes pain between the third and fourth toes. musculoskeletal system - the complex system that includes: bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - a non x-ray study to allow an evaluation of the spinal cord and nerve roots. myelogram - a specific x-ray study that uses an injection of a dye or contrast material into the spinal canal to allow careful evaluation of the spinal canal and nerve roots. orthopaedic surgeon (or orthopaedist) - the physician who diagnoses, treats, manages the rehabilitation process, and provides prevention protocols for patients who suffer from injury or disease in any of the components of the musculoskeletal system. orthopaedic surgery (or orthopaedics) - the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. osteoarthritis - a condition caused by wear and tear that causes inflammation of the joint, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness. osteoporosis - a condition that develops when bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed. plantar warts - warts that occur on the sole of the foot and look like calluses as a result of an infection or a specific virus. RICE treatment - rest, ice, compression, and elevation. scoliosis - the condition of side-to-side spinal curvature. soft-tissue - the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the musculoskeletal system. sprain - a partial or complete tear of a ligament. strain - a partial or complete tear of a muscle or tendon. stress fractures - a bone injury caused by overuse. synovium - a fibrous envelope that produces a fluid to help to reduce friction and wear in a joint. tendon - a cord that connects muscle to bone or other tissue. tendonitis - an inflammation in a tendon or the tendon covering. tibia - shin bone trigger finger - an irritation of the digital sheath that surrounds the flexor tendons of the finger. When the tendon sheath becomes thickened or swollen it pinches the tendon and prevents it from gliding smoothly. In some cases, the tendon catches and then suddenly releases as though a trigger were released. Click here to view the |
