GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Acetabulum – the curve-shaped cavity on the side of the hip bone into which the thigh bone fits.
Achilles tendon - a tough sinew that attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel bone.
Acute care – treatment of a severe medical condition that is of short duration and at a crisis level.
ACL - anterior cruciate ligament.
ADL – activities of daily living.
Alberta Health Services - the administrative body responsible for delivering health care services to Albertans. Alberta Health Services, or AHS, was formed in 2009 when the 9 former health authorities and 3 provincial boards were consolidated into a single, provincial organization.
Ambulate – to walk.
Anaesthesiology – the study and use of anaesthetics.
Anaesthetic – a medication to reduce pain; can be administered as a local anaesthetic confined to use around the source of pain, or as a general anaesthetic, producing a loss of sensation through the entire body and loss of consciousness.
Ankylosing spondylitis - arthritis of the spine, resembling rheumatoid arthritis.
Anterior cruciate ligament - a ligament in the knee that crosses from the underside of the thigh bone (femur) to the top of the lower leg bone (tibia).
Anterolisthesis – A medical condition of the spine in which the upper vertebral body – the thick drum-shaped area in front of each vertebrae – slips forward onto the vertebrae below.
Antibiotic – a substance that attacks and kills bacteria in the body or renders it inactive.
Antibiotic resistance organism – bacteria that become resistant to the antibiotics normally used to treat them.
ARO – Antibiotic resistance organism.
Arthritis – a condition that causes inflammation, stiffness and pain in the joints.
Arthrocentesis - also known as joint aspiration, is the clinical procedure where synovial fluid is removed from a joint capsule using a syringe to diagnose gout, arthritis or synovial infection.
Arthrodesis - surgical fusion of a joint by removing cartilage and positioning adjacent bones to promote bone growth across the joint. A successful fusion eliminates the joint and stops motion, typically to relieve pain or stabilize an unstable joint.
Arthropathy – joint disease. The term arthropathy does not specify the type of joint disease. The word arthropathy originates from the Greek terms arthron, meaning joint, and pathos, meaning suffering.
Arthroplasty – repair or replacement of an entire joint or part of a joint in the body, such as a knee or hip. The word arthroplasty originates from the Greek terms arthron, meaning joint, and plassein, meaning to form or shape.
Aspirate - remove fluids from a body cavity by suction, type done to obtain specimens for analysis.
Aspirin – a non-prescription drug commonly used to alleviate pain and inflammation, lower fever and reduce the risk of blood clotting in arteries.
Atrophy - wasting away of tissue, frequently related to decreased use or decreased blood supply.
Autoimmune disease – an attack initiated by the body's immune system against its own tissues.
Avascular necrosis - or AVN, is a condition in which poor blood supply to an area of bone leads to bone death. AVN commonly occurs at the head of the femur (thigh bone).
B
Ball-and-socket joint – the area where the rounded end of one bone fits into a cavity in an adjoining bone. Ball-and-socket joints allow a wide range of movement, or flexion. For example, ball-and-socket joints of the shoulder and hip can rotate in a complete circle.
Bilateral - occurring on both sides of the midline point or pertaining to both sides of the body.
Bladder – the body organ in which urine is stored.
Blood clot – a clump or thickened mass of blood in an artery that may partially or completely block the flow of blood.
Bone scan – a nuclear scanning test performed to identify new areas of bone growth or breakdown.
Bowlegged (valgus) – a condition that produces an outward curve at or below the knee area. It is caused by a disorder that slows the growth of the inner portion of the growth plate that runs horizontally across the knee while the outer portion of the plate grows normally.
Brachial - pertaining to the arm.
Bunion - a localized painful swelling at the base of the big toe, often associated with bursitis or osteoarthritis.
Bursa - tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body, found in synovial joints. Major busae are located beside tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
Bursectomy - surgical removal of a bursa.
Bursitis - inflammation of a bursa, a tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body.
C
Calgary Health Region – the former health authority responsible for delivering health care services in and around Calgary, Alberta. It encompassed the City of Calgary, four metropolitan hospitals and a large rural area surrounding the city, including the resort communities of Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. Calgary Health Region was consolidated with the other 8 health authorities in 2009 to form Alberta Health Services.
Capital Health Region – the former health authority responsible for delivering health care services in and around Edmonton, Alberta. It encompassed the cities of Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Spruce Grove and St. Albert, and the counties of Leduc, Parkland, Strathcona and Sturgeon, as well as the Town of Devon and communities in the eastern part of Yellowhead County. Capital Health Region was consolidated with the other 8 health authorities in 2009 to form Alberta Health Services.
Care protocol - a natural history study that involves providing standard and usual care to patients in order to study the history of a disease or disorder following treatment or a treatment regimen.
Care provider – one who provides medical treatment or assistance to a patient.
Carpal tunnel syndrome - a repetitive stress injury characterized by pain, numbness and weakness in the wrist and hand.
Cartilage – a tough, white elastic tissue that covers the contact points of the bones that make up joints in the body, providing a cushion between the contact points and allowing smooth and painless movement of the joint.
Case manager – the individual who assembles and coordinates a team of health care service providers, including doctors, nurses and therapists, for a patient.
Catheter – a tube inserted into the body to drain fluid, inject fluid or keep a passage open.
Cervical - having to do with the neck.
Chronic care – treatment of a medical condition that is of long duration and occasionally over time can cause changes in the body.
Clavicle - collar bone.
CM – Case Manager.
Coccygeal - referring to the coccyx, or tailbone.
Coccyx - the small tail-like bone at the very bottom of the spine. The coccyx is made up of 3 to 5 rudimentary vertebrae.
Compartment syndrome - a condition in which there is swelling and increased pressure within a limited space (compartment) that presses on and compromises blood vessels, nerves and tendons that run through the compartment. Compartment syndrome commonly occurs in the leg or forearm, but can also occur in the arm, thigh, shoulder and buttocks. If untreated, compartment syndrome can cause necrosis of tissue in the compartment and eventually rhabdomyolysis or kidney failure.
Congenital - present at birth.
Connective tissue – tissue that serves as the framework of the body, surrounding, supporting and connecting organs, muscles, joints and other body parts.
Control group – the group of individuals in a study who, unknowingly, are not treated or not given a procedure or medication, and whose response is compared with that of treated individuals in order to validate the results of the study.
CT (computed tomography) - sometimes called CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain images of different angles around the body which can be used to produce a computer-generated cross-section of body tissues and organs. CT imaging produces very detailed images that can help diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders while exposing patients to very little radiation.
D
David Thompson Health Region – the former health authority responsible for the delivery of health services in and around Red Deer, Alberta. It encompassed the City of Red Deer and a large area of central Alberta, including the communities of Drayton Valley, Rimbey, Stettler, Hanna, Drumheller, Lacombe, Olds, Trochu and Wetaskiwin. David Thompson Health Region was consolidated with the other 8 health authorities in 2009 to form Alberta Health Services.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - a blood clot in a deep vein usually caused by immobilization, obstructed blood flow or injury. DVT commonly affects the leg veins or the deep veins of the pelvis. A DVT may occur without symptoms, but is characterized in many cases with pain, redness, and swelling. Risk factors for developing DVT include recent surgery or hospitalization, obesity, advanced age and tobacco use.
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) - deterioration of that cartilage that lines a joint, which results in narrowing of the joint space and pain. DJD is often used interchangeably with osteoarthritis.
Diskectomy - surgical removal of a disk from between two vertebrae in the spine.
Dislocation – the displacement of a bone or other body part from its normal fitting in a joint.
E
Ectomy - word termination to indicate removal of the structure or organ by cutting. For example, tonsillectomy or diskectomy.
Edema - excessive accumulation of fluid in the body tissues.
Epidural – a local anaesthetic administered by injection into the area between the bones of the spine and the outer membrane covering the spinal cord.
Experimental protocol – a clinical trial study that involves the use of new, or previously untested, experimental treatment, screening, or medications.
F
Femoral head – the ball-shaped top of the femur (thigh bone) that fits into the hip socket, creating a ‘ball-and-socket’ joint.
Femoral nerve block – a technique used to block the sensation in the femoral nerve as a means of controlling pain during and after surgery.
Femur – the main bone in the thigh that extends from the hip to the knee. The femur is the strongest bone in the human body.
Fibula – the narrower of the two bones in the leg below the knee.
Flexion – bending a joint, such as a hip or knee joint.
Focused facility – a clinic that specializes in a single area of health care, such as bone and joint care.
Fracture - a break in the continuity of bone.
FragminR – a drug used to reduce the risk of blood clotting.
Fusion (arthrodesis) - joining of two bones into a single unit, removing motion between the two.
G
Gliding joint – the area where two flat-surfaced bones, such as those in the wrist and foot, slide over one another, providing for limited movement.
Gout - a medical condition caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that presents as recurring episodes of inflammatory arthritis. It is estimated that gout will affect 1% of Western populations at some point in their lives.
H
Hammertoes - a deformed toe that is bent or curled under the foot as a result of a weakened muscle that makes tendons shorter.
Hamstrings - three muscles in the posterior region of the buttock and thigh.
Health educator – an individual who informs and trains patients on health-related topics.
Hemovac – a drain inserted into the area of surgery to allow excess fluids, such as blood, to escape.
Hemoglobin – a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.
Herniated disk - rupturing of the tissue that separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column.
Hinge joint – a body joint, such as the elbow and knee, that allows for movement in one plane, such as up and down.
Hip abduction – use of the hip muscles to move the leg away from the central line of the body.
Hip adduction – use of the hip muscles to move the leg toward the central line of the body.
Humerus - upper arm bone.
I
Ilium - the upper part of the bony pelvis which forms the receptacle for the head of the femur.
IM – internal medicine; diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the internal organs.
Incision - a surgical cut.
Inflammation - swelling, redness, and pain experienced in an area of the body.
Informed consent – related to participation in a research study; the process of ensuring that patients have all pertinent information and providing them with answers to their questions and concerns about the research study prior to their consent or agreement to participate in a research protocol.
Ibuprofen – a drug commonly used to alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation and fever; available in non-prescription and prescription forms, depending on strength.
Inflammatory arthritis – a condition that causes joints to become inflamed.
In-patient – a patient who remains overnight in a medical facility, such as a hospital or clinic, for treatment.
Intravenous – the provision of drugs or nutrition directly into the bloodstream through a vein.
IV – an intravenous tube used to provide drugs or nutrition directly into the bloodstream through a vein.
J
Joint – the area where two or more bones meet.
Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) - a clinical procedure where synovial fluid is removed from a joint capsule using a syringe to diagnose gout, arthritis or synovial infection.
Joint capsule - an envelope that surrounds a synovial joint.
K
Knock-kneed (varus) – a condition that produces an inward curve at or below the knee area so that the knees are permanently close together and the ankles are spread apart.
Kyphosis – a medical condition where there is an exaggerated outward curvature of the spine, resulting in a rounded upper back. (See other spine conditions Scoliosis and Lordosis).
L
Ligament - fibrous band of dense collagen bundles that connect one bone to another.
Lordosis – a medical condition of the spine where there is an exaggerated inward curvature of the lower back. (See other spine conditions Scoliosis and Kyphosis).
Lumbar - referring to the 5 lumbar vertebrae which are situated below the thoracic vertebrae and above the sacral vertebrae in the spinal column. The lumbar vertebrae are represented by the symbols L1 through L5.
M
Marrow - soft blood-forming tissue that fills the cavities of bones.
Meniscus - a crescent-shaped structure that acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on. From the Greek word meniskos, meaning crescent.
Meniscectomy - removal of the meniscus cartilage from the knee.
Metacarpals - five bones in the hand that extend from the wrist to the fingers.
Metatarsals - five bones in the foot extending from the heel (tarsus), to the toes.
MOA – Medical Office Assistant.
Mobile lab – laboratory services that travel to a desired location.
MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging; the use of electromagnetic radiation to capture images of the body’s soft tissue.
MSK – Musculoskeletal; also a medical doctor who specializes in treating the muscles and skeleton.
Musculoskeletal – of, or related to, the muscles, tendons and skeleton.
N
Necrosis – the death of cells in body tissue or organs caused by disease or injury.
Nurse practitioner – a registered nurse with at least a master's degree in nursing and advanced education in the primary care of particular groups of clients.
O
Occupational therapy – the use of daily living activities, such as dressing, bathing and preparing meals, to treat an illness or medical condition.
Operative leg – the leg on which surgery has been performed.
OR – operating room.
Osteo - Greek word meaning of the bone.
Osteoarthritis – a condition, also called degenerative joint disease, in which there is gradual loss of cartilage of the joints. It is most common after middle age.
Osteomyelitis - a bone infection.
Osteonecrosis - bone death, often as a result of obstruction in its blood supply.
Osteoporosis - a disease that causes the bone tissue to become porous, resulting in the loss of bone mass. It is most common in people over 50, and is more prevalent in women.
Osteotomy - taking out part or all of a bone, or cutting into or through a bone.
OT – Occupational therapy or Occupational Therapist.
Out-patient – a patient who visits a medical facility, such as a hospital or clinic, for treatment but does not stay overnight.
Orthopaedic surgeon – a doctor who specializes in surgery on bones, joints, ligaments and muscles.
P
Patella – the kneecap. Together, the kneecap (patella), thigh bone (femur) and shinbones (tibia and fibula) make up the knee joint.
Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) – whereby the patient self-administers the amount of medication required to control pain.
PCA pump – the device used by the patient to self-administer medication to control pain.
Plantar - sole or flexor surface of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis - irritation of the plantar fascia; a common cause of heel pain.
Planus - flattening of the arch of the foot.
Primary care – assessment and treatment by a general practitioner or nurse.
Prosthesis – an artificial body part, such as a joint or limb.
PT – Physical therapy or Physical Therapist.
Pubis - front centre portion of the pelvis.
Q
Quadriplegia - paralysis of all four limbs, both arms and both legs.
R
Range of motion – the distance or degree over which something – such as a body joint – can move.
Rhabdomyolysis - the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle due to injury.
Rheumatic diseases – conditions affecting the joints, bones, muscles and skin that cause one or more of the following symptoms: inflammation, stiffness, weakness, loss of mobility and deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis – a chronic disease of the joints characterized by inflammation, stiffness, weakness, loss of mobility and eventual deformity.
Rheumatologist – a doctor who studies, diagnoses and treats arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.
RN – Registered Nurse.
ROM – Range of motion.
Rotator cuff - a group of four muscles and their tendons that make a "cuff" over the head of the large arm bone (humerus). The rotator cuff helps to lift and rotate the arm and to stabilize the ball of the shoulder within the joint.
S
Sacral - referring to the sacrum, the 5 vertebral bones located between the lumbar vertebrae and the coccyx.
Sacrum - one of the three bones that make up the pelvic ring.
Scapula - shoulder blade.
Scoliosis – A medical condition where there is an exaggerated sideways curvature of the spine. (See other spine conditions Kyphosis and Lordosis).
Skeleton - supporting framework of the human body composed of 206 bones.
Socket – a hollow in one bone into which another adjoining bone fits.
Spinal – of or relating to the spine; also, a commonly used medical term referring to a local anaesthetic administered by injection into the area between the bones of the spine and the outer membrane covering the spinal cord.
Spinal column - central supporting bony structure of the body.
Spine - column of 33 vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the tip of the coccyx.
Sprain - partial or complete tear of a ligament.
Staple – in medicine, a thin wire used to close a wound or incision in the body.
Strain - partial tear of a muscle.
STELP – Short-Term Equipment Loan Pool; in medicine, a supply of medical equipment that is shared by patients for short-term use.
Sub-acute care – treatment of a medical condition that develops more slowly and with less severity than an acute condition.
Subchondral cyst formation – A medical condition in which a fluid-filled sac extrudes from the joint. The sack is filled with fluid that usually serves as a lubricant for the joint. Formation of subchondral cysts typically indicates an early phase of osteoarthritis.
Suture – a material, such as a thread or wire, used to close a wound or incision in the body.
Synovial fluid - a lubricating fluid with yolk-like consistency that serves to reduce friction between the cartilage of synovial joints during movement.
Synovial joint - the most common and most moveable type of joint in the human body, synovial joints are distinguished from other types of joints by the presence of an envelope surrounding the surface of the joint that contains a lubricating fluid. Examples of synovial joints include hip, knee, shoulder and wrist joints.
T
Talus - ankle bone.
Tarsus - heel bone.
Tendons - cords of fibrous connective tissue that attach muscle to bones.
Tendinitis or tendonitis - inflammation of a tendon, most commonly resulting from an injury.
Thoracic - relating to the chest; the thoracic vertebrae are located between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae.
Tibia – the larger of the two bones in the lower leg, generally called the shin bone.
U
Ulna - inner and larger bone of the forearm.
Unilateral - affecting only one side of the body.
V
Valgus - a deformity marked by outward angulation of a segment of bone.
Varus - a deformity marked by inward angulation of a segment of bone.
Vertebrae - one of 33 bony segments that form the spinal column. There are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacra and 4 coccygeal vertebrae.
W
Weight bearing restriction – the maximum amount of weight permitted on an operated limb, as established by care providers.
X
X-ray - a diagnostic imaging technique that uses low levels of X-radiation projected against film to define the skeletal system. X-rays are useful for diagnosing problems of the skeletal system and detecting some diseases in soft tissues.
Y
Z
Zygomatic bone - the part of the temporal bone of the skull that forms the prominence of the cheek.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
