Resources – Glossary For Orthopedics

Crepitus

A bone crepitus is a crackling sound normally heard when ligaments of a fractured bone are rubbed together. A joint crepitus is a grating sensation felt when two dry synovial surfaces of the joint are rubbed together.

Diaphysis

The main section of a long bone like the humerus of the arm and the femur of the leg.

Dislocation

The displacement of one or more bones at a joint.

Diplegia

A type of paralysis that affects certain parts of the body in one side.

Fracture

The loss of continuity of a bone caused by a break. An open fracture can be seen from the outside while a closed fracture cannot be seen from the outside.

Hemiplegia

The total paralysis of one side of the body.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is otherwise known as humpback. It is the abnormal curvature of the spinal column towards the back.

Ligament

A sturdy band of connective tissue that connects bones and keeps a joint together.

Lordosis

The abnormal curvature of the spinal column towards the front.

Musculoskeletal system

A full functioning system of the body involving the network of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

Orthopedics

A branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Osteoarthritis

A type or arthritis is caused by the degenerative loss of the cartilage of the joints through inflammation and breakdown. It is also known as degenerative arthritis.

Osteoporosis

Thinning of the bones and reduction of bone density caused by the depletion of calcium and bone protein

Paraplegia

Paralysis of the lower half of the body usually the hind legs affecting motion and sensation

Prosthesis

The artificial replacement of a part of a body that has lost its function due to defect or accidents.

Quadriplegia

The paralysis of all four limbs of the body.

Scoliosis

The abnormal curvature of the spinal column causing a sideway(lateral) deviation

Sprain

An injury to the ligament normally through overuse and trauma causing stretch or tear in one or more ligaments.

Strain

Unlike sprain, it affects the tendon due to overuse or trauma.

Tendon

A flexible yet fibrous and tough tissue that attaches a muscle to the bone