Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from Orthopaedic Physiotherapy lecture notes.

Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

The branch of physiotherapy related to preparation/rehabilitation from orthopaedic surgery or related to an orthopaedic hospital admission.

Elective Surgery

Surgery planned in advance, allowing mental and social preparation.

History of Presenting Condition (HPC)

An account of the patient’s current medical issue or condition.

Post Operative Orders

Weight-bearing status and Range of Motion restrictions put in place by the Doctor post-operatively.

Comprehensive Medical History

A detailed record of the patient’s past and current health issues, surgeries, conditions, and medications.

Functional & Social History

Information about the patient's previous physical capabilities, living situation, and support systems.

Cardiovascular Vital Signs

Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and Haemoglobin levels.

Respiratory Vital Signs

Oxygen saturation and Respiratory Rate.

Systemic Signs

Temperature being monitored to avoid infection post-operatively.

VAS

Scale of 0-10, where the patient assesses pain.

Observation

Assessment of the patient's awareness, reaction, and outward signs of their condition.

Compartment Syndrome

A buildup of pressure from internal bleeding or swelling within tissues, which can decrease blood flow.

Fasciotomy

Cutting the fascia to relieve pressure caused by compartment syndrome.

American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Scale

A standardized assessment for spinal cord injuries that assesses sensory and motor functions.

FB & WBAT

Full weight-bearing; patients can put as much weight as needed/tolerated on the affected leg.

PWB

Partial weight-bearing; usually refers to bearing half of the body weight.

TWB

Touch weight-bearing; the foot/toes can touch the ground for balance, but no weight is put through the leg.

HWB

Heel weight-bearing; weight is kept off the forefoot/midfoot.

NWB

Non-weight bearing; no weight is allowed on the affected leg.

SMART Principles

Principles that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

WHO Pain Ladder

Strategy device to provide adequate pain relief

Side effects of narcotic analgesia

Drowsiness & reduced central respiratory drive which requires supplementary O2 at rest.

Arthroplasty

Total hip replacement (THR), Total knee replacement (TKR), Unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR), Total ankle replacement (TAR).

Arthrodesis

Fusion of joint with no movement of the joint.

Osteotomy

Surgery to realign the 1st metatarsal to correct Hallux Valgus.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

Aims to improve patient outcomes by optimising all elements of the patient’s care.

OA

Osteoarthritis