GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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Patella – the kneecap.  Together, the kneecap (patella), thigh bone (femur) and shinbones (tibia and fibula) make up the knee joint.

PCA – Patient-controlled analgesia, 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.

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.

Range of motion – the distance or degree over which something – such as a body joint – can move.

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.

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