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GLOSSARY
A
Arthrodesis
The surgical fusion of a joint. The procedure removes any remaining articular cartilage and positions the adjacent bones to promote bone growth across a joint. A successful fusion eliminates the joint and stops motion. The usual purpose is pain relief or stabilization of an undependable joint.
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Arthroplasty
procedure to replace or mobilize a joint, typically performed by removing the arthritic surfaces and replacing them with an implant. Total joint arthroplasty is replacement of both sides of the joint. Hemiarthroplasty replaces only one side of a joint.
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Arthroscopy
A form of minimally invasive surgery in which a fiberoptic camera, the arthroscope, is introduced into an area of the body through a small incision.
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Articular cartilage
A smooth, glistening surface that covers the ends of bones that articulate with each other to form a joint.
Atlas
The first cervical vertebra (C1).
Autograft
Biologic tissue from the patient's own body that is used to surgically replace damaged tissue.
Axial compression
A force directed along the vertical axis of the cervical spine that is part of almost every serious injury.
Axis
The second cervical vertebra (C2).
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B
Bankart fracture
A small chip fracture off of the anterior and inferior rims of the glenoid that is seen after an anterior dislocation of the shoulder.
Bankart lesion
An anterior capsulolabral injury associated with a tear of the anteroinferior glenoid labrum.
Bone scan
A study used to identify lesions in bone such as fracture, infections, or tumor. A radioisotope is injected into a vein and allowed to circulate through the body. The distribution of radioactivity in the skeleton is measured by a special camera that can detect the emission of gamma rays. Lesions in bone with increased metabolic activity (e.g., fracture, tumor, or infection) will show increased uptake of the radioisotope and appear as a dark area in the bone. Also called bone scintigraphy.
Bunion
Prominence of the first metatarsal head often associated with lateral shift of the great toe (hallux valgus deformity).
Bursa
A sac formed by two layers of synovial tissue that is located where there is friction between tendon and bone or skin and bone.
Bursitis
Inflammation of a bursa.
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Burst fracture
A compression-type fracture of a vertebra that involves posterior displacement of the fragments, often into the spinal canal.
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C
Callus
A buildup of the keratin layer from repetitive friction or injury; frequently occurs on the plantar surface of the foot around the great toe.
Cancer
Abnormally growing cells that can invade local tissue, often metastasizing (spreading) to distant areas of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Capsule
A collagenous structure that surrounds a joint like a sleeve. The capsule allows motion of joints and protects the articular cartilage. The capsule, along with ligaments, tendons, and bony structure, provides stability of the joint.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Median nerve compression at the wrist that is characterized by pain, numbness, and weakness in the median nerve distribution of the hand.
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Carrying angle of the elbow
The angle formed by the long axis of the humerus and ulna, resulting in an abducted position of the forearm relative to the humerus.
Cartilage
A cellular tissue that, in the adult, is specific to joints, but in children forms a template for bone formation and growth. Hyaline cartilage is a low-friction cellular tissue that coats joint surfaces. Fibrocartilage is tough with high collagen content, such as found in the meniscus of the knee, or the anulus fibrosus portion of the intervertebral disk.
Cellulitis
A bacterial infection of the soft tissues that most often occurs after trauma to the skin or prior surgery. Also, a spreading redness and swelling of the skin in response to an insect bite.
Chronic rotator cuff tear
Tear of the rotator cuff of the shoulder resulting from degeneration within the rotator cuff tendon.
Closed fracture
A fracture that does not disrupt the integrity of the surrounding skin.
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Closed reduction
A procedure to restore normal alignment of a fractured bone or dislocated joint in which the fractured bones are simply manipulated and no incision is needed.
Club Foot
A complex foot disorder that includes three separate deformities: metatarsus adductus, ankle equinus, and heel varus.
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Compound fracture
Any fracture in which the overlying skin has been penetrated.
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Computed tomography (CT, CAT scan)
A radiographic modality that allows cross-sectional imaging from a series of x-ray beams. The x-ray tube is rotated 360° around the patient, and the computer converts these images into a two-dimensional axial image. CT is capable of imaging bone in three planes: coronal, sagittal, and oblique. This modality is particularly useful in evaluating fractures and bone tumors.
Condyle
A rounded process at the end of a long bone.
Congenital spinal stenosis
A syndrome often seen in athletes of short stature or dwarf in which individual vertebrae of the spine may contain short pedicles that decrease the diameter of the spinal canal.
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Connective tissue
Tissue that connects and supports the structures of the body.
Contusion
Bruise; injury to soft tissue without a break in the skin.
Coxa magna
A deformity of the hip in which the ball of the hip joint is enlarged. May be secondary to Legg-Perthes disease or arthritis.
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D
Deformation
The amount of lengthening or shortening in a structure divided by the structure's original length.
Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
Deterioration of the articular cartilage that lines a joint, which results in narrowing of the joint space and pain; osteoarthritis.
Diskectomy
A surgical decompression procedure in which an intervertebral disk is removed.
Dislocation
Complete disruption in the normal relationship of two bones forming a joint (i.e., no contact of the articular surfaces). The direction of the dislocation is described by the position of the distal bone (e.g., with an anterior dislocation of the shoulder, the humerus is displaced anterior to the scapula).
Displaced fracture
A fracture that produces deformity of the limb.
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Distal
Location in an extremity nearer the free end; location on the trunk farther from the midline or from the point of reference.
Distraction
A separation of joint surfaces with no dislocation or ligament rupture.
Dorsal
Toward the posterior surface of the body.
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E
Edema
Condition in which fluid escapes into the tissues from vascular or lymphatic spaces and causes local or generalized swelling.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
A recording of electrical currents that flow through the heart in the form of a series of waves and complexes that are separated by regular intervals.
Electromyography (EMG)
A test that measures the electrical response of muscle contraction.
Equinus
Plantar flexed position of the ankle.
Extension
Movement of an extremity posterior to or behind the body.
Extensor
A muscle, the contraction of which causes movement at a joint with the consequence that the limb or body assumes a more straight line, or so that the distance between the parts proximal and distal to the joint is increased or extended; the antagonist of a flexor.
External fixation
Stabilization of a fracture or unstable joint by inserting pins into bone proximal and distal to the injury that are then attached to an external frame.
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F
Fascia
Sheet or band of tough fibrous connective tissue; lies deep under the skin and forms an outer layer for the muscles.
Fasciotomy
Surgical incision of the fascia.
Fatigue fracture
Microfracture that occurs when the bone is subjected to frequent, repeated stresses, such as in running or marching long distances, and the rate of bone breakdown exceeds the rate of bone repair.
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Femoral condyles
Two surfaces at the distal end of the femur that articulate with the superior surfaces of the tibia.
Femoral head
Proximal end of the femur, articulating with the acetabulum.
Femoral neck
The bone connecting the head and the shaft of the femur; fractures frequently occur in this area.
Fibrocartilage
A mesh of collagen fibers, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins, interspersed with fibrochondrocytes.
Flexion
Movement of an extremity anterior to or in front of the body.
Flexor
A muscle the action of which is to flex or bend a joint.
Fluoroscopy
A special type of radiograph that shows continuous motion of the structure, such as wrist motion.
Foramen
The space between the pedicles of two adjacent vertebrae through which the nerve root exits at each level in the cervical spine.
Fracture
A disruption in the integrity of a bone.
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Fracture-dislocation
A fracture of bone associated with a dislocation of its adjacent joint.
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Fracture reduction
The realignment of fracture fragments to restore normal anatomy of the bone.
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Frozen shoulder
A condition characterized by restricted shoulder movement resulting from acute trauma or a periarticular biceps or rotator cuff tendon injury.
Fusion (arthrodesis)
The joining of two bones into a single unit, thereby obliterating motion between the two. May be congenital, traumatic, or surgical.
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G
Ganglion
A mass of nerve cell bodies usually found lying outside the central nervous system.
Glenohumeral dislocation
Injury in which the humeral head may displace from the joint; most of these dislocations are anterior and inferior to the glenoid rim.
Glenohumeral joint
True shoulder joint.
Glenoid labrum
A soft fibrous rim surrounding the glenoid fossa that deepens the socket and provides stability for the humeral head.
Greenstick fracture
A fracture that disrupts only one side of the bone. This fracture pattern is seen in children because of the greater plasticity of their bones.
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H
Hallux
The great toe.
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Hallux valgus
Deformity at the first metatarsophalangeal joint where the proximal phalanx deviates laterally; also known as a bunion.
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Hammer toe
Flexion deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint of the foot.
Hamstrings
Three muscles in the posterior region of the buttock and thigh that provide an extension force at the hip and a flexion force at the knee.
Head
The upper or proximal portion of a structure; the head of a bone is the rounded end that allows joint rotation.
Herniated disc
Rupture of the nucleus pulposus or anulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc.
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I
ICES
Ice, compression, elevation, and splinting.
Impacted fracture
A fracture pattern in which the fragments are pushed together, thus imparting some stability.
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Impingement syndrome
Shoulder pain caused by tendinosis of the rotator cuff tendon or irritation of the subacromial bursa. See also Rotator cuff impingement, external, and Rotator cuff impingement, internal.
Inflammation
A localized tissue response initiated by the injury or destruction of vascularized tissues. Inflammation Heat, redness, swelling, and pain that accompany musculoskeletal injuries; occurs when tissue is crushed, stretched, or torn.
Instability
Looseness, unsteadiness, or an inability to withstand normal physiologic loading without mechanical deformation.
Internal fixation
Surgical insertion of a device that stops motion across a fracture or joint to encourage bony healing or fusion.
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Internal rotation
Medial rotation of an extremity relative to the body.
Intervertebral disk
A fibrocartilaginous disk located between the bodies of each of the vertebrae.
Intramedullary nailing or rodding
A procedure for the fixation of fractures in which a nail or rod is inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone from one of its two ends.
Inversion injury
Ankle injury resulting from landing on the lateral aspect of the foot.
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J
Joint
The junction between the ends of two adjacent bones.
Joint capsule
A thin, but strong structure in the elbow that plays a role in ligamentous restraint.
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K
Kyphosis
Curvature of the spine that is convex posteriorly.
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L
Laminectomy
A surgical decompression procedure in which part of the posterior arch of a vertebra is removed; allows access to the disk.
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Lateral
Lying away from the midline.
Lateral articular surface
A bony process on each end of the clavicle.
Lateral condyle
Forms the lateral border of the upper surface of a joint.
Lateral view
A view that passes from side to side at 90° to an AP or PA view.
Ligament
A collagenous tissue that connects two bones to stabilize a joint.
Lordosis
Curvature of the spine that is convex anteriorly.
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M
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An imaging modality that depends on the movement of protons in water molecules. When subjected to a magnetic field, protons that are normally randomly aligned become aligned. Radiowaves directed at the tissue to be studied are used to change the alignment of these photons. When the radiowaves are turned off, the protons emit a signal that is detected and processed by a computer into an image. In the musculoskeletal system, MRI is useful in diagnosing soft-tissue injuries, tumors, stress fracture, and infection.
Medial
Lying toward the midline.
Medial collateral ligament injuries
An acute knee injury that is the result of a blow to the lateral side of the knee when the foot is planted; commonly seen in football players and snow skiers.
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Medial condyle
Forms the medial border of the upper surface of a joint.
Meniscus
A soft-tissue structure that lines some joints and provides load distribution, shock absorption, and lubrication.
Mesenchymal syndrome
A subset of sports trauma patients who are at risk for connective tissue breakdown following relatively benign load or use.
Metacarpals
The five bones of the hand that extend from the wrist to the fingers.
Metastasis
The transfer of disease from one part of the body to another; tumor metastasis usually occurs via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.
Midline
Imaginary straight vertical line drawn from midforehead through the nose and the umbilicus to the floor.
Monteggia fracture
Dislocation of the radial head in association with an ulnar fracture.
Muscles
Contractile connective tissues that affect movement; a component of nearly all organs and body systems.
Myelography
A radiographic study in which a water-soluble contrast agent is injected into the subarachnoid space to form a column of opacified fluid that outlines the thecal sac of the spinal cord. Used to assess herniated disks and spinal stenosis. This study has been largely replaced by MRI and CT.
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N
Navicular bone
Bone with which the head of the talus articulates on the medial side of the foot; also a bone in the wrist that articulates with the trapezium, trapezoid, and other carpal bones.
Navicular stress fracture
A fracture that occurs with repetitive stress activities and results in medial foot pain and tenderness over the dorsal navicular.
Neuropathic arthritis
The chronic, progressive destruction of a joint that is caused by the loss of sensation from an underlying neurologic dysfunction; also known as Charcot arthropathy.
Neuropathy
An abnormal condition involving a peripheral nerve.
Nocioceptive
Pain-sensing.
Nondisplaced fracture
Fracture in which there is no deformity of the limb.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
A broad group of chemically heterogeneous drugs that share important clinical and tissue effects: all have some analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Includes aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, and others.
Nonunion
Failure of healing of a fracture or osteotomy. With continued motion through a nonunion, a pseudarthrosis will form.
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Nucleus pulposus
A region of the intervertebral disk that functions as a shock absorber against axial loads.
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O
Oblique fracture
A fracture in which the fracture line crosses the bone diagonally.
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Olecranon bursa
Bursa in the elbow that separates the skin from the underlying ulna; allows the soft tissue to glide smoothly over the olecranon process.
Open reduction
An open surgical procedure in which normal or near-normal relationships are restored to a fractured bone or dislocated joint.
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Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
A procedure that involves incising the skin and soft tissue to repair a fracture under direct visualization.
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Origin
The more fixed end or attachment of a muscle.
Osgood-Schlatter disease
Partial avulsion of the tibial tubercle because the tubercle is subjected to traction forces by the patellar tendon insertion; also known as tibial osteochondrosis.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
A deterioration of the weightbearing surface; distinguished by destruction of the hyaline cartilage and narrowing at the joint space.
Osteoblasts
Cells that form new bone.
Osteochondral fractures
Injuries that disrupt articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone.
Osteocytes
The cells of established bone.
Osteonecrosis
The death of bone, often as a result of obstruction of its blood supply.
Osteoporosis
Deterioration of bone tissue resulting in an increased risk of fracture as the result of a low-calcium diet.
Osteotomy
Literally, cutting a bone. Used to describe surgical procedures in which bone is cut and realigned.
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Overuse injury
Any injury caused by repetitive submaximal stress that surpasses the tissue's natural repair processes.
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P
Paget disease
A condition of abnormally increased and disorganized bone remodeling.
Pain
A sensory and emotional reaction precipitated by actual or anticipated injury; results from damage to tissue or nerves and is made worse by pressure or inflammation.
Palmar
The anterior surface of the forearm, wrist, and hand.
Parasympathetic (craniosacral) nervous system
A part of the autonomic nervous system that causes blood vessels to dilate, slows the heart rate, and relaxes muscle sphincters.
Paresthesias
Abnormal sensations such as tingling, burning, or prickling.
Patella
Kneecap.
Patella alta
An abnormally high patella.
Patellar sleeve fracture
An avulsion of the unossified distal patella from a sudden forceful quadriceps contraction with the knee flexed.
Patellar tendinitis
A condition that results in pain and inflammation of the patella tendon; a common problem in jumping sports.
Patellectomy
Surgical excision of the patella.
Patellofemoral groove
Groove that runs anteriorly between the condyles of the femur; the patella lies in the trochlear groove.
Patellofemoral joint
The joint between the patella and the femur.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)
Muscle tightness or imbalance resulting in lateral pulling of the patella and dull, aching knee pain and crepitus with range of motion.
Pelvis
A bony ring, consisting of the sacrum, coccyx, and innominate bones, that connects the trunk to the lower extremities, supports the abdominal contents, and allows passage of the excretory canals.
Periosteum
A sleeve of connective tissue that surrounds the shaft of the bone and contributes to fracture healing.
Peritendinitis
Inflammation of the tendon sheath, marked by pain, swelling, and, occasionally, local crepitus.
Peroneal tendon injuries
A classification of injuries that includes tendinitis, acute and chronic dislocations, longitudinal tears, and tendon ruptures.
Phalanges
Bones making up the finger bones (three in each finger and two in the thumb).
Plantar
The sole, or flexor surface, of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis
Irritation of the plantar fascia at its insertion on the plantar aspect of the heel; a common cause of inferior heel pain.
Posterior glenohumeral dislocation
Disruption of the glenohumeral joint in a posterior direction.
Posterior process
That part of each vertebra that can be palpated, as it lies just under the skin in the midline of the back.
Posterior tibial syndrome
Pain along the posterior medial border of the tibia; thought to be secondary to a tight posterior tibial muscle "pulling" on the periosteum in this area; associated with running.
Posttraumatic arthritis
A form of secondary osteoarthritis caused by a loss of joint congruence and normal joint biomechanics.
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Pronation
Flattening of the foot that occurs during walking and running.
Proximal
Describing structures that are closer to the trunk.
Pseudarthrosis
A false joint produced when a fracture or arthrodesis fails to heal.
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Q
Quadriceps tendinitis
A condition that results in tendon insertion pain just proximal to the patella; commonly occurs in running and jumping sports that involve changing directions.
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R
Range of motion (ROM)
The amount of movement available at a joint.
Referred pain
Pain that is perceived in a different location from the location of pathology.
Reflex
Fairly fixed pattern of response or behavior similar for any given stimulus; does not involve a conscious action.
Regeneration
The production of tissue that is structurally and functionally identical to tissue damaged by injury.
Rehabilitation
Restoration, following disease, illness, or injury, of the ability to function in a normal or near-normal manner.
Repair
The replacement of damaged or lost cells and matrix with new cells and matrix that are not necessarily identical in structure and function to normal tissue.
Resection Arthroplasty
A procedure in which the surfaces of diseased bone are excised, allowing fibrocartilage to grow in its place.
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Reversibility
The concept that a muscle will atrophy from disuse and detrain if not consistently trained toward a set goal.
Rheumatoid arthritis
A chronic inflammatory disease that is probably triggered by an antigen-mediated inflammatory reaction against the synovium in the joint.
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RICE
A method of treatment of acute injury that is used to counteract the body's initial response to injury; RICE is an acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Rigid splint
Splint made from firm material and applied to sides, front, and/or back of an injured extremity to prevent motion at the injury site.
Rotator cuff
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons. These combine to form a "cuff" over the head of the humerus. The four muscles-the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor-originate from the scapula and together form a single tendon unit that inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The rotator cuff helps to lift and rotate the arm and to stabilize the ball of the shoulder within the joint.
Rotator cuff impingement, external
Impingement of the rotator cuff on the acromion and the coracoacromial ligament; causes microtrauma to the cuff, resulting in local inflammation, edema, cuff softening, pain, and poor function of the cuff.
Rotator cuff impingement, internal
A condition in the shoulder of throwing athletes that results in tears of the underside of the rotator cuff and the posterior labrum.
Rotator cuff muscles
Muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that act in concert to steer or rotate the proximal humerus.
Rotator cuff tear
An injury of the rotator cuff that is described as acute or chronic and partial or full thickness; also classified by estimated size.
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S
Sacrum
One of the three bones (sacrum and two pelvic bones) that make up the pelvic ring.
Scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrist
A nonunion of the scaphoid seen on a PA view of the wrist, along with a radioscaphoid arthritis and later a capitolunate arthritis.
Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist
A pattern of carpal injury and secondary osteoarthritis seen on a PA view of the wrist. Following a scapholunate dissociation, osteoarthritis develops between the radius and the scaphoid and later between the capitate and lunate.
Scapulothoracic joint
Articulation in which the scapula is suspended from the posterior thoracic wall through muscular attachments to the ribs and spine.
Scheuermann disease
Osteochondrosis of the vertebral epiphysis resulting in increased thoracic kyphosis in the preteen and early adolescent years.
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Sclerotic
Hardening, as in margins along a fracture line in bone.
Scoliosis
Lateral curvature of the spine.
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Secondary bone healing
The repair process that is characterized by the formation of fracture callus, which then remodels to form new bone.
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Secondary osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis resulting from known precipitants such as bone ischemia, trauma, and neuropathy.
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Secondary osteoporosis
Osteoporosis characterized by conditions in which bone is lost because of the presence of another disease, such as hormonal imbalances, malignancies, or gastrointestinal disorders, or because of corticosteroid use.
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Septic arthritis
Infection of a joint, either bacterial or mycotic.
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Shaft
The long, straight, cylindrical midportion of a bone.
Shin splints
An overuse syndrome that results from cyclical loading at the posterior tibial and soleus muscle attachments onto the tibia; also known as posterior tibial stress syndrome.
Skeletal (voluntary) muscle
Striated muscles that are attached to bones and usually cross at least one joint.
Skier's hip
Intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures of the hip joint that frequently occur in skiers.
SLAP (Superior Labral, Anterior to Posterior) lesion
An injury to the biceps tendon anchor and/or superior labrum.
Smooth muscle
Nonstriated, involuntary muscle that constitutes the bulk of the gastrointestinal tract and is present in nearly every organ to regulate automatic activity.
Snapping scapula
A sensation of snapping as the scapula glides against the chest wall.
Spinal column
Central supporting bony structure of the body; vertebral column.
Spinal cord
Extension of the brain, composed of virtually all the nerves carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It lies inside of and is protected by the vertebrae and the spinal column.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the canal housing the spinal cord; commonly caused by encroachment of bone.
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Spine
Column of 33 vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the tip of the coccyx.
Spinoglenoid
A structure located at the base of the scapular spine and formed by the convergence of the scapular spine with the glenoid and the coracoid processes; also known as the greater scapular notch.
Spinous processes
Palpable prominences in the vertebrae.
Spiral fracture
A fracture caused by a twisting force that results in a helical fracture line.
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Splint
Device used to immobilize part of the body.
Spondylolisthesis
Displacement of one vertebra on another through the spondylitic defect of the pars interarticularis.
Spondylolysis
A defect (possibly a type of stress fracture) in the pars interarticularis of the vertebrae. Also, an overuse injury to the pediatric athlete's spine, most frequently the lumbosacral spine, in which the athlete reports an insidious, nontraumatic onset that lasts longer than 3 weeks.
Sports medicine
The practice of medicine that physicians, athletic trainers, paramedics, and other allied health professionals provide to athletes.
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Sprain
Partial or complete tear of a ligament.
Spur formation
Degenerative and age-related changes in the neck where spurs form along the vertebral end plates in an attempt to autostabilize vertebral motion.
Stenosis
A stricture of any canal or orifice. In the spine, a narrowing of the spinal canal secondary to a combination of disk narrowing, thickening of the ligamentum flavum, and osteophytes from arthritis of the facet joints.
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Strain
Deformation in a structure under loading or partial tear of a muscle.
Strength
The force or tension a muscle or muscle group can exert against a resistance in one maximal effort. Also, a mechanical property of material in terms of elastic storage; represented by the area under the entire stress-strain curve.
Stress
The load per unit area that develops on a plane surface within a structure in response to externally applied loads.
Stress fracture
An overuse injury in which the body cannot repair microscopic damage to the bone as quickly as it is induced, leading to painful, weakened bone.
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Subluxation
An incomplete disruption in the relationship of two bones forming a joint, i.e., a partial dislocation. The joint surfaces retain partial contact.
Symptom
Evidence of change in body functions apparent to the patient and expressed to the examiner on questioning.
Synovial fluid
A fluid that has a very low coefficient of friction and provides lubrication and nutrients for joint chondrocytes.
Synovial joints
A joint formed by the articulation of two bones, the ends of which are lined with hyaline cartilage and is surrounded by a capsule which is lined with synovium.
Synovium
A complex, highly permeable, and vascular tissue that lines the inner surface of joint capsules, bursae, tendons, and ligaments.
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T
Tarsal coalition
Fusion of two or more of the major tarsal bones (talus, navicular, calcaneus, and cuboid).
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
A neuritis of the posterior tibial nerve resulting in pain and/or numbness along the course of the nerve.
Tendinitis
Any injury that produces an inflammatory response within the tendon substance.
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Tendinosis
An avascular degenerative process that represents the result of failed tendon healing seen with aging or following repetitive microtrauma.
Tendinosis lesion
Asymptomatic tendon degeneration caused either by aging or by cumulative microtrauma without inflammation.
Tendon
A tough, rope-like cord of fibrous tissue at both the origin and insertion of muscle. Tendons transmit forces of muscular contraction to cause motion across a joint.
Tennis elbow
Inflammation of muscle origins at the lateral epicondyle; also called lateral epicondylitis.
Thoracic kyphosis
Backward curvature of the cervical spine.
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Tibial stress fracture
A fracture of the lower extremity caused by repetitive loads on the bone that cause an imbalance of bone resorption over formation; often occurs after a recent increase or change in the training regimen.
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Tomography
A radiographic modality that allows visualization of lesions or tissues that are obscured by overlying structures. Structures in front of and behind the level of tissue to be studied are blurred, which allows the object to be studied to be brought into sharp focus. Tomography has been used to evaluate the degree of fracture healing and to evaluate tumors such as osteoid osteoma. Increasingly, CT has replaced tomography as the imaging modality of choice in these circumstances.
Transverse fracture
A fracture in which the fracture line is perpendicular to the shaft of the bone.
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Transverse plane
Horizontal section of the body.
Traumatic spondylolysis
The condition in which one vertebra slips anterior to the one below it secondary to a trauma-induced defect in the right and left pars interarticularis.
Tuberosity
Prominence on a bone where tendons insert.
Turf toe
A hyperextension injury of the first metatarsophalangeal joint associated with athletic activity on hard surfaces.
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U
Ultrasound (Ultrasonography)
An imaging modality in which images are created from high-frequency sound waves (7.5 to 10 MHz [1 MHz = one million cycles per second]) that reflect off of different tissues. The reflected sound waves are recorded and processed by a computer and then converted into an image. Ultrasound is used to evaluate infant hip disorders and tears of the rotator cuff.
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V
Valgus
Angulation of a distal bone away from the midline in relation to its proximal partner. Genu valgum is a knock-knee deformity, with abduction of the tibia in relation to the femur. Can also be used to describe angulation of fractures or bony deformities.
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Varus
Angulation of a distal bone toward the midline in relation to its proximal partner. Genu varum is a bowleg deformity, with adduction of the tibia in relation to the femur. Can also be used to describe angulation of fractures or bony deformities.
Vertebral arch
Part of the vertebra composed of the right and left pedicles and the right and left laminae; also called neural arch.
Vertebral column
Segmented spinal column composed of 24 movable vertebrae, 5 fixed sacral vertebrae, and 4 fixed coccygeal vertebrae.
Vertical dystopia
A change in the vertical position of the pupil in relation to the uninjured eye.
Volar
Toward the anterior surface of the body.
Voluntary (skeletal) muscle
Muscle, under direct voluntary control of the brain, which can be contracted or relaxed at will.
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