related clinical terms

ankylosis

an abnormal fusion between articulating bones in response to trauma and friction within a joint

arthritis

rheumatic diseases that affect your synovial joints. ___ always involves damage to the articular cartilages, but the specific cause can vary. the diseases of ____ are usually classified as either degenerative or inflammatory

arthroscopic surgery

the surgical modification of a joint using an arthroscope (a fiberoptic instrument used to view the inside of joint cavities)

bursitis

inflammation of a bursa that causes pain whenever the associated tendon or ligament moves

carpal tunnel syndrome

inflammation of the tissues at the anterior wrist that causes compression of adjacent tendons and nerves. symptoms are pain and a loss of wrist mobility

fracture

a crack or break in a bone

gigantism

a condition of extreme height resulting from an overproduction of growth hormone before puberty

herniated disc

a condition caused by intervertebral disc compression severe enough to rupture the outer fibrocartilage layer and release the inner soft, gelatinous gore, which may protrude beyond the intervertebral space

kyphosis

an abnormal exaggeration of the thoracic spinal curve that produces a humpback appearance

lordosis

an abnormal lumbar curve of the spine that results in a swayback appearance

luxation

a dislocation; a condition in which the articulating surfaces are forced out of position

orthopedics

a branch of surgery connected with disorders of the bones and joints and their associated muscles, tendons, and ligaments

osteomyelitis

a painful infection in a bone, generally caused by bacteria

osteopenia

inadequate ossification, leading to thinner, weaker bones

osteoporosis

a reduction in bone mass to a degree that compromises normal function

rheumatism

a general term that indicates pain and stiffness arising in the skeletal system, the muscular system, or both

rickets

a childhood disorder that reduces the amount of calcium salts in the skeleton; typically characterized by a bowlegged appearance, because the leg bones bend under the body’s weight

scoliosis

an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine

scurvy

a condition involving weak, brittle bones as a result of a vitamin C deficiency

spina bifida

a condition resulting from failure of the vertebral laminae to unite during development; commonly associated with developmental abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord

sprain

a condition in which a ligament is stretched to the point at which some of the collagen fibers are torn. the ligament remains functional, and the structure of the joint is not affected

whiplash

an injury resulting when a sudden change in body position injures the cervical vertebrae