GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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Joint – the area where two or more bones meet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Osteoarthritis – a condition, also called degenerative joint, in which there is gradual loss of cartilage of the joints. It is most common after middle age.
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.
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.
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
