CHECK THESE ORTHOPEDIC “A to Z’s” … How many do you know?

At times, orthopedic terms can sound like a foreign language. We thought it would be fun to compile a list of one orthopedic term for each letter of the alphabet. Take a look and see if you’ve heard of these:

• Arthroscopy – a minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint where an exam and/or treatment is performed through a tiny incision.
• Bursa – a fluid filled sac providing a cushion between bone and tendons or muscles.
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – pressure on the ulnar nerve (better known as your funny bone), one of the main nerves of the hand.
• DOMS – Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or pain and stiffness felt several hours after strenuous exercising.
• Eccentric – the motion of a muscle as it is lengthening; the opposite of concentric, or shortening.
• Fascia – a sheet of connective tissue below the skin that separates muscles or organs.
• Gout – most commonly affected at the big toe, inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated uric acid in the blood; more prevalent in men.
• Heterotopic Ossification – the presence of bone in soft tissue where it would not normally exist.
• Impingement Syndrome – when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated, resulting in pain, weakness, and loss of shoulder movement.
• Jones Fracture – occurs in the small area of the small toe that is prone to healing challenges due to less blood flow.
• Kyphosis – abnormally convex curvature of the spine.
• Lordosis – the inward curvature of the spine.
• Meniscus – tissue that serves to disperse friction in the knee joint when moving.
• Neuropathy – disease or dysfunction of nerves (sensory, motor or autonomic) causing numbness or weakness.
• Osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis occurring when the protective cartilage wears down.
• Plantar Fasciitis – a disorder of the heel and bottom of the foot causing pain, usually upon taking first steps of the day or after a rest.
• Q -?
• Referred Pain – pain perceived in a location different from that of the pathology.
• Strain vs Sprain – partial tear of a muscle vs partial or complete tear of a ligament.
• Tendinitis vs Tendinosis – “itis” occurs when the body detects an injury and responds with increased blood flow to the tendon; “osis” is a degenerative injury with repetitive stress over time.
• Ultrasound – sound waves with ultra- high frequencies above the limit of hearing, allowing resolution of small internal details in tissue.
• Viscosupplementation – a procedure where a fluid, hyaluronate, is injected into the joint to provide relief and movement.
• W Sitting (pediatric) – a sitting position discouraged in children causing abnormal stress on hips and knees during growth.
• X-rays – electromagnetic waves that are able pass through a part of the body to show internal composition, shown as a photographic or digital image.
• Y – ?
• Zika – a once rare mosquito born disease; though not orthopedic, the bite can cause joint pain; currently ranking high in the news as it spreads into several countries including USA.

So, how many did you already know? Do you have an orthopedic related term for the missing letters ”Q” or “Y”?

Sarasota Orthopedic Associates offers same day appointments at our three locations of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice. Our 13 physicians are committed to get you back on your feet, back to work, back in the game, and back to life.