Sports Med Medical Terminology

Anterior

Nearer or to the front of the body

Posterior

Nearer to or at the back of the body

Superior

Toward the head or the upper part of a structure; generally refers to structures in the trunk

Inferior

Away from the head or toward the lower part of the structure; generally refers to structures in the trunk

Medial

Nearer to the midline of the body or a structure

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body

Proximal

Nearer to the attachment of an extremity to the trunk of a structure

Distal

Farther from the attachment of an extremity to the trunk of a structure

Superficial

Toward the surface of the body

Deep

Away from the surface of the body

Flexion

Bending movement that decreases the angle between two parts.

Extension

The opposite of flexion: a straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts.

Abduction

A motion that pulls a structure or part away from the midline of the body

Adduction

A motion that pulls a structure or part towards the midline of the body

Pronation

A rotation of the forearm that moves the palm from an anterior-facing position to a posterior-facing position, or palm facing down.

Supination

The opposite of pronation, the rotation of the forearm so that the palm faces anteriorly, or palm facing up

Dorsiflexion

Flexion of the entire foot superiorly, as if taking one’s foot off an automobile pedal.

Plantarflexion

Flexion of the entire foot inferiorly, as is pressing an automobile pedal.

Eversion

The movement of the sole of the foot away from the median plane

Inversion

The movement of the sole towards the median plane

Sagittal Plane

Splits the body left and right side

Frontal Plane

Splits the body into anterior and posterior

Transversal Plane

Splits the body into superior and inferior

Sprain

Injuries to ligaments

Ligaments

Connective tissue that connect bone to bone

1st Degree Sprain

Minimal tearing, stretching

2nd Degree Sprain

Partial, ½ tear

3rd Degree Sprain

Complete tear

Strain

Injuries to muscles and tendons

Contusions

Also known as a bruise, the most common sports injury

Ecchymosis

Bruising

Fractures

A break or crack in a bone

Open fracture

breaks through skin

Closed Fracture

Does not break through skin

Greenstick Fracture

Bending or splintering; common in children

Impacted Fracture

2 ends are wedged together

Comminuted Fracture

Several Pieces

Sprial Fracture

Twisting

Signs and Symptoms of Fractures

Pain, deformity, grinding, length discrepancy, and swelling/bruising

First Aid for Fractures

RICE, splint, and check circulation

Stress Fractures

Small microfractures, may not show on x-rays

Dislocations

Joint comes out of alignment

Subluxation

A partial disloaction

Bursitis

Inflamation of a bursa

Bursa

Fluid filled sac

Tendinitis

Inflammation of a tendon