Musculoskeletal

Ankylosis fixation of a joint, often in an abnormal position, usually resulting from destruction of
articular cartilage and subchondral bone
Arthrocentesis puncture of a joint with a needle to withdraw fluid; performed to obtain synovial fluid
for diagnostic purpose
Arthrodesis surgical fusionof a joint
Arthroplasty surgical repair of refashioning of one of both sides, parts, or specific tissues within a joint
Bipolar hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) prosthetic implant used to replace the femoral head and
neck in hip fractures when the vascular supply to the femoral head is or may be compromised
Blanching test test of the rate of capillary refill; blanching means to cause to become pale by applying
digital pressure
Callus bony deposits formed between and around the broken ends of a fractured bone during healing
Colles fracture fracture of the distal portion of the radius within 1 inch of the joint of the wrist
Compartment syndrome pathologic condition caused by progressive devopment of arterial
compression and reduced blood supply to an extremity. Increased pressure from external devices (casts,
bulk dressings) causes decreased blood flow, resulting in ischemic tissue necrosis; most often occurs in
theextremities
Crepitus sound that resembles the crackling noise heard when rubbing hair between the fingers of
throwing salt onan open fire. It is associated with gas gangrene, the rubbing of bone fragments, or the
crackles of a consolidated area of the lung in pneumonia
Fibromyalgia a musculoskeletal chronic pain syndrome of unknown etiology that causes pain in the
muscles, bones, or joints
Kyphosis an abnormal condition of the vertebral column; characterized by increased convexity in the
curvature of the thoracic spine
Lordosis increase in the curve of the lumbar space region that throws the shoulder back, making the
appearance lordly or kingly
Open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) a surgical procedure allowing fracture alignment under
direct visualization while using various internal fixation devices applied to the bone
Paresthesia any subjective sensation, such as a prickling pins and needles feeling or numbness
Scoliosis curvature of the spine usually consisting of two curves; the original abnormal curve and a
compensatory cuve in the opposite direction
Sequestrum fragment of necrotic bone that is partially or entirely detached from the surrounding or
adjacent healthy bone
Subluxation partial dislocation
Tophi caculi containing sodium urate deposits that develop in periaticular fibrous tissue; typically
found in patients with gout
Volkmanns contracture a permanent contracture with clawhand, flexion or wrist and finger, and
atrophy of the forearm; can occur as a result of compartment syndrome