
Glossary Terms
Abduction – Movement of a limb away from the body’s midline.
Adduction – Movement of a limb toward the body’s midline.
Arthritis – Inflammation of the joints that can cause pain and stiffness.
Arthrodesis – Surgical fusion of a joint to relieve pain and provide stability.
Arthroscopy – A minimally invasive procedure using a camera to diagnose and treat joint problems.
Avulsion Fracture – When a small piece of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament.
Baker’s Cyst – A fluid-filled swelling behind the knee.
Bone Density Scan – A test to measure bone strength and risk of fractures.
Bone Grafting – A procedure that uses bone tissue to help repair severe fractures.
Bone Marrow – The soft tissue inside bones that produces blood cells.
Bone Scan – A diagnostic test to detect bone disorders or fractures.
Bursa – A small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues.
Bursitis – Inflammation of a bursa, often causing joint pain.
Calcification – The buildup of calcium in soft tissues or bones.
Callus Formation – The body’s natural process of forming new bone during healing.
Cartilage – A flexible tissue that cushions joints and bones.
Casting – Applying a rigid material to immobilize a fracture during healing.
Closed Fracture – A break in the bone that does not puncture the skin.
Closed Reduction – Non-surgical realignment of a broken bone.
Clubfoot – A birth defect causing a foot to be twisted out of position.
Compartment Syndrome – A condition causing pressure buildup in muscles.
Corticosteroids – Medications used to reduce inflammation and pain.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography) – A detailed imaging technique to view bones and tissues.
Degenerative Disc Disease – Age-related changes causing spinal disc deterioration.
Dislocation – When a bone moves out of its normal position in a joint.
Dorsiflexion – Bending the foot upward toward the shin.
Dupuytren’s Contracture – A hand condition causing fingers to bend inward.
External Fixation – A treatment using an external frame to stabilize fractures.
Femur – The thigh bone, the longest bone in the body.
Fibula – The smaller of the two bones in the lower leg.
Fracture – A break or crack in a bone.
Frozen Shoulder – Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.
Hallux Valgus – The medical term for bunions.
Hemiarthroplasty – Partial joint replacement surgery.
Herniated Disc – A condition where the soft center of a spinal disc pushes out.
Hip Dysplasia – A condition where the hip joint is abnormally formed.
Hyaline Cartilage – Smooth cartilage that covers the ends of bones.
Impingement Syndrome – Shoulder pain due to repetitive overhead activities.
Internal Fixation – A surgical procedure using plates or screws to hold bones together.
Joint – The point where two or more bones meet.
Joint Aspiration – Removing fluid from a joint for diagnosis or treatment.
Kinesiology Tape – A tape used to support injured muscles and joints.
Labrum – A ring of cartilage that supports and stabilizes joints.
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) – The ligament on the outer side of the knee.
Ligaments – Strong bands of tissue connecting bones to each other.
Limb Length Discrepancy – When one limb is shorter than the other.
Malunion – Improper healing of a fractured bone.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) – A ligament in the knee that provides stability.
Meniscus – A piece of cartilage in the knee that cushions and stabilizes.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Imaging to view soft tissues and bones.
Nonunion – Failure of a fractured bone to heal properly.
Osteoarthritis – The most common form of arthritis, caused by wear and tear.
Osteoblasts – Cells that build new bone tissue.
Osteoclasts – Cells that break down bone tissue.
Osteomyelitis – A serious infection in the bone.
Osteopenia – Low bone density that may lead to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis – A condition that weakens bones and makes them prone to fractures.
Orthotics – Custom devices used to support and align feet.
Patella – The kneecap, which protects the knee joint.
Pelvic Fracture – A break in the bones of the pelvis.
Plantar Fasciitis – Inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot.
Prosthesis – An artificial device to replace a missing body part.
Pseudarthrosis – A false joint that forms when a bone does not heal properly.
Radial Head Fracture – A fracture of the elbow joint.
Radius – One of the two bones in the forearm.
Rehabilitation – Exercises and therapies to restore function after an injury.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – An autoimmune disease affecting joints.
Rotator Cuff – A group of muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction – Pain caused by improper movement in the sacroiliac joints.
Scaphoid Fracture – A common wrist fracture.
Sciatica – Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve from the lower back.
Soft Tissue – Muscles, ligaments, and tendons supporting bones.
Spinal Fusion – A surgical procedure to permanently join two or more vertebrae.
Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing of spaces in the spine, causing nerve pressure.
Sprain – Stretching or tearing of ligaments.
Stress Fracture – A small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force.
Subluxation – A partial dislocation of a joint.
Synovitis – Inflammation of the synovial membrane in joints.
Tendinitis – Inflammation of a tendon.
Tendon – A tissue that connects muscle to bone.
Tenotomy – Surgical cutting of a tendon.
Tibia – The larger of the two bones in the lower leg.
Total Joint Replacement – Surgery to replace a damaged joint with an artificial one.
Traction – A treatment to realign bones using weights or pulleys.
Trigger Finger – A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position.
Ulna – The longer bone of the forearm.
X-ray – A common imaging technique to view bones.
Z-plasty – A surgical technique to improve the function of scarred skin.