Glossary
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
Arthritis – A condition that occurs in joints when surfaces between the bones are worn and uneven. This creates friction, which causes pain, swelling and reduced mobility. It results from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances or other causes.
Arthroscopically – minimally invasive surgical procedure in which treatment of damage of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision.
Articular cartilage – a smooth substance that cushions the bones and enables them to move easily.
C
Clavicle – a doubly-curved long bone located directly above the first rib that connects the arm to the body, allowing maximum range of motion.
E
Extension – straightening a joint.
F
Femur – the lower end of the thigh bone that makes up the knee.
Flexion – bending a joint.
G
Gout – is a disease created by a buildup of uric acid on articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues due to elevated concentrations of uric acid in the blood stream, causing the tissue to become inflamed.
H
High-impact activities – activities such as running, jumping and jumping rope that imposes a lot of mechanical stress on the bone.
Humerus – arm bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow.
I
Immobilize – reduce or eliminate motion; can be a result of arthritis or osteoarthritis pain, bone fracture, etc.
Impingement – condition that results from pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade, as the arm is lifted.
L
Low Profile Instrumentation™ (LPI) – provides options for alternative surgical approaches such as reduced incision size, which can minimize hospital stay and allow for the speediest possible recovery.
M
Malalignment – an abnormal position of the bone in relation to the placement of other bones.
O
Osteoarthritis (OA) – a condition that causes "wear and tear" to joint cartilage. It develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints and is the most common form of arthritis.
P
Patella – knee cap.
Patellar tracking – the way the knee cap moves when the knee is bending.
Polyethylene – lightweight moisture-resistant plastic that allows the bones to smoothly glide against each other.
Prosthesis – an artificial substitute or replacement of a part of the body.
Pseudoparalysis – apparent restriction or inhibition of motion because of pain, or other cause, not due to actual muscular paralysis.
R
Rheumatoid Arthritis – a chronic and painful inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.
S
Scapula – a flat rough bone that connects the arm bone with the clavicle.
T
Tibia – the upper end of the shin bone.
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) – a surgical procedure that involves removing the diseased bone and cartilage and resurfacing it with orthopaedic implants.
Tuberosity – rounded and prominent elevation, especially from the surface of a bone.
