Medical Terminology - Diagnostic Procedures & Treatment of the Musculoskeletal System

What is the difference between arthrography and arthroscopy?

Arthrography is a x-ray recording of a joint. Arthroscopy is a visual examination of a joint using an arthroscope.

computed tomography (CT) scan

imaging technology that records transverse planes (horizontal slices) of the body

DEXA scan

procedure that measures bone density at the hip and spine

electromyography (EMG)

procedure that records the electrical activity of muscles

Magnetic reasonance imaging (MRI)

procedure that uses magnetic properties to record details about internal structures

myelogram

x-ray of spinal canal after injection of contrast medium

x-ray (radiograph)

imaging technique using electromagnetic radiation to record internal structures

phalen test

used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome

rheumatoid factor (RF) test

laboratory test that examines the blood for rheumatoid factor

serum calcium (Ca)

measures the amount of calcium in the blood

range of motion (ROM) testing

assessment of the degree to which a joint can be extended and flexed

goniometry

measures a joint’s range of motion using a goniometer

What is the difference between a malunion and a nonunion?

malunion - when a bone does not mend and align correctly

nonunion - no healing takes place

What is the difference between an internal fixation and a external fixation?

internal fixation - incision is required to fix broken bones

external fixation - no opening is made in the skin

What is the difference between a open reduction and a closed reduction?

open reduction - requires incision of the skin

closed reduction - does not require incision

amputation

removal of a limb

prosthesis

artificial body part that is used as a replacement

bunionectomy

removal of a bunion

osteoclasis

done if a bone has a malunion

osteoplasty

surgical repair of a bone

traction

pulling a body part into correct alignment

kyphoplasty

addresses the pain of fractured vertebrae from osteoporsis or cancer

laminectomy

removal of the bony arches to relieve compression of the spinal cord

spondylosyndesis

spinal fusion

arthrocentesis

surgical puncture of a joint to remove fluid

arthrodesis

binding or stabilization of a joint

arthroplasty

surgical repair of a joint

meniscectomy

removal of a meniscus

syndesmoplasty

surgical repair of a ligament

tenomyoplasty

surgical repair of a muscle and a tendon

total hip replacement (THR)

replacement of the femoral head and the acetabulum of the hip with plastic or metal appliances

total knee replacement (TKR)

surgical procedure that replaces the entire knee joint, unilaterally or bilaterally

analgesics

reduces pain

antiinflammatories

reduces inflammation

antirheumatics

manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

bisphosphonates

prevents bone loss

muscle relaxants

relieve pain caused by muscle spasms by relaxing the skeletal muscles