Lesson 2/ Chapter 4,5,6: Testing and Treatment of the Skeletal System

x-ray imaging

uses electromagnetic radiation to create x-rays

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

used to visualize soft tissues, and therefore is not effective for visualizing bone, but can be used for the interior of joints.

Dual x-ray absorptiometry

used to measure bone density of the spine and hips.

Allogeneic

the cells or tissues come from another person

Autologous

they come from the patient

orthotic

a mechanical appliance that is used to support an impaired limb and its functioning

Prosthesis

A substitute or replacement for a missing limb

Arthrodesis

Surgical fusion of a joint

Arthoplasty

Surgical resurfacing of bones or surgical placement of an artificial joint

Vertebroplasty

Repair of compression fractures in the spinal column

Laminectomy

Surgical removal of the posterior portion of vertebra

Decompressive Craniectomy

Surgical removal of a portion of the skull to relieve intracranial pressure usually due to swelling after a traumatic brain injury

Craniotomy

surgical incision or opening made into the skull to remove tumor, relieve pressure or for other surgical procedures

Osteorrhaphy

A surgical suturing or wiring together of bones

Osteotomy

Surgical cutting and reshaping of a bone

Plantar fasciitis

inflammation of the fascia (fibrous band of tissue) on the sole of the foot that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. This is one of the most common orthopedic complaints and occurs often in long distance runners or people who work long hours on their feet. The main symptom is stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel that is often worse when getting out of bed in the morning.

Carpa; Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

occurs when this passageway becomes swollen and puts pressure on the median nerve, resulting in pain and numbness in the hand. The main risk factor is repetitive hand motion over an extended period of time, such as working on a computer.

Fibromyalgia

a chronic condition with a wide range of symptoms, including diffuse (widespread) muscle pain and fatigue. No one knows what causes fibromyalgia, and currently there is no cure.

Paralysis

the loss of sensation and voluntary muscle control. Injury to the spinal cord is the most common cause of paralysis because of its anatomy of nerve fibers going up and down and to and from the brain. These injuries can be the product of traumatic accidents (falls, sports injuries), or diseases such as stroke and polio.

Monoplegia

a paralysis of a single area of the body, usually one limb

Hemiplegia

a paralysis of an arm and leg on the same side of the body

Paraplegia

a paralysis below the waist affecting both hips and legs

Quadriplegia

A paralysis below the neck affecting all four limbs as well as the torso

Reflexes

involuntary muscle responses to a stimulus. Using a reflex hammer to test reflexes enables the healthcare provider to assess the communication between the spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, and muscle.

Range-of-motion testing

assesses the movement in a joint

Myofascial release

manipulation of soft tissue to reduce pain

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

the use of a device to deliver small electrical impulses across the skin to relieve pain

Fasciotomy

cutting into the fascia to relieve tension or pressure that can damage tissues

Tenodesis

the surgical suturing of a tendon to a bone

Tenolysis

remove adhensions from a tendon

Tenotomy

The surgical cutting of a tendon to either provide release or allow for lengthening

Myorrhaphy

the surgical suturing of a muscle

Myotomy

the surgical into a muscle