X Glossary

Above-elbow (Transhumeral) amputation: Amputation above the elbow joint. (Chapter 10.5)

Above-knee (Transfemoral) amputation: Amputation above the knee joint, requiring more energy for mobility due to the absence of the knee joint and increased leverage requirements. (Chapter 10.5)

Acetabulum: The large socket that holds the head of the femur. (Chapter 10.2)

Achilles tendon: Attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. (Chapter 10.2)

Acromion: An extension from the scapula that forms the bony tip of the shoulder. (Chapter 10.2)

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS): Increased pressure within a muscle compartment, resulting in reduced blood flow to the tissues within that compartment. (Chapter 10.6)

Amputation: Refers to the surgical removal of a body part. (Chapter 10.5)

Ankle disarticulation: Amputation at the ankle joint, preserving the heel pad for weight-bearing and prosthetic fitting. (Chapter 10.5)

Arthrocentesis: A surgical puncture to aspirate fluid from a joint, such as the knee, for lab analysis and symptom relief. (Chapter 10.3)

Arthroplasty: Refers to joint replacement surgery; an invasive procedure requiring extended recovery time. (Chapter 10.7)

Arthroscopy: A common procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons to view the inside of a joint to diagnose and/or to repair joint problems. (Chapter 10.3, Chapter 10.7)

Ataxia: Poor balance and coordination. (Chapter 10.10)

Below-elbow (Transradial) amputation: Amputation below the elbow joint. (Chapter 10.5)

Below-knee (Transtibial) amputation: Amputation below the knee joint, providing a longer residual limb for better prosthetic control and energy-efficient walking. (Chapter 10.5)

Biceps brachialis: Muscle located in the arm that flexes the elbow joint and rotates the forearm. (Chapter 10.2)

Biceps brachii: Muscle on the anterior upper arm. (Chapter 10.2)

Body: References the middle portion of the sternum. (Chapter 10.2)

Bone density scans (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry – DEXA or DXA): Specialized X-ray tests that measure bone mineral density. (Chapter 10.3)

Boutonniere deformities: Firm, observable lumps underneath the skin on or near the base of the joint. (Chapter 10.9)

Buck’s traction: Skin traction that involves the application of weights over the end of the bed as a pulling force. (Chapter 10.6)

Calcaneus: Heel bone. (Chapter 10.2)

Cardiac muscle: Specialized muscle located in the heart. (Chapter 10.2)

Carpals: Wrist bones. (Chapter 10.2)

Cartilaginous joints: When two bones are connected by cartilage; a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. (Chapter 10.2)

Cerebral palsy (CP): A group of disorders that affects the ability to move and maintain balance and posture. (Chapter 10.10)

Cervical: The first seven vertebrae in the neck region, C1 to C7. (Chapter 10.2)

Clavicle: Connects the sternum to the scapula; also known as the collarbone. (Chapter 10.2)

Closed or simple fracture: The broken bone doesn’t penetrate the skin, remaining within the body. (Chapter 10.6)

Closed reduction: Involves a nonsurgical procedure where the provider manipulates the fractured bones back into their proper position without making an incision. (Chapter 10.6)

Clubfoot: A congenital condition that causes the foot and lower leg to turn inward and downward. (Chapter 10.10)

Coccyx: The tailbone; formed by the fusion of four very small coccygeal vertebrae. (Chapter 10.2)

Comminuted fracture: A bone is crushed into pieces. (Chapter 10.6)

Complete fracture: The bone breaks entirely into two or more separate pieces. (Chapter 10.6)

Compression fracture: Typically occurs in vertebrae and involves the bone being crushed or collapsing; often seen in conditions like osteoporosis. (Chapter 10.6)

Computed tomography (CT): Detailed, cross-sectional, three-dimensional images of bones, joints, and soft tissues. (Chapter 10.3)

Contracture: A condition of shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity of joints. (Chapter 10.10)

Cranium: The bones that form the head, including the skull and facial bones. (Chapter 10.2)

Crepitus: Popping, clicking, or crackling sound when moving a joint. (Chapter 10.7)

Deltoid: A large triangular muscle covering the shoulder joint. (Chapter 10.2)

DEXA scans: The gold standard test for diagnosing osteoporosis comparing an individual’s bone density to that of a young healthy adult reflecting the risk of fracture. (Chapter 10.8)

Dislocation: Displacement of a bone from its normal position in a joint. (Chapter 10.2, Chapter 10.10)

Dyskinesia: Uncontrollable movements. (Chapter 10.10)

Elective amputation: Amputation is planned and performed due to medical conditions such as severe infection, tumors, or vascular diseases that compromise blood flow to the affected limb. (Chapter 10.5)

Electromyogram (EMG): A diagnostic procedure that assesses the function of nerve cells that control muscles. (Chapter 10.3)

Ethmoid: Part of the nose and base of the skull. (Chapter 10.2)

External fixation: A surgical procedure where metal pins or screws are inserted into the bone above and below the fracture site and connected to an external frame to stabilize the fracture. (Chapter 10.6)

False ribs: Ribs 8, 9, and 10 that are attached to the cartilage that joins the sternum. (Chapter 10.2)

Fasciotomy: A surgical procedure to relieve pressure within the compartment by making incisions through the fascia (connective tissue surrounding the compartment) to release the built-up pressure. (Chapter 10.6)

Fat embolism syndrome: Can arise from certain fractures, particularly long-bone fractures or bone with large amounts of marrow, such as the ribs, pelvis, and femur. (Chapter 10.7)

Femur: Thigh bone. (Chapter 10.2)

Fibromyalgia: A condition that causes widespread pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. (Chapter 10.10)

Fibrous joints: Nonmoveable joints where two bones are attached by fibrous connective tissue. (Chapter 10.2)

Fibula: The smaller, lateral bone of the lower leg. (Chapter 10.2)

Finger or partial hand amputation: Removal of fingers or part of the hand. (Chapter 10.5)

Flaccid: The muscles atrophy (i.e., shrink) due to loss of function. (Chapter 10.10)

Flexion contracture: Occurs when the residual limb remains in a flexed position for an extended period, leading to decreased range of motion and contracture of muscles and soft tissues. (Chapter 10.5)

Floating ribs: Ribs 11 and 12 that are not attached to the front of the sternum. (Chapter 10.2)

Foot drop: The inability to raise the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot. (Chapter 10.10)

Fracture: A break or disruption in the integrity of a bone. (Chapter 10.6)

FRAX tool: A fracture risk calculator that estimates a client’s ten-year probability of a hip fracture or other major fracture. (Chapter 10.8)

Frontal: Bone covering the forehead area of the skull. (Chapter 10.2)

Gastrocnemius: The chief muscle of the calf of the leg. (Chapter 10.2)

Gluteus maximus: The largest and outermost of the three gluteal muscles in the buttocks. (Chapter 10.2)

Gout: A type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints, usually as flares that last for one or two weeks and then resolves. (Chapter 10.10)

Greenstick fracture: Bone is partially broken; a common fracture in children that occurs rarely in adults. (Chapter 10.6)

Hallux: The great toe. (Chapter 10.2)

Hamstring: Five tendons at the back of a person’s knee that connect a group of three hamstring muscles to bones in the pelvis, knee, and lower leg. (Chapter 10.2)

Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding internally or at the surgical site due to blood vessel damage or clotting abnormalities. (Chapter 10.5)

Herniated disk: A condition in which a disk protrudes beyond the normal confines of the vertebrae. (Chapter 10.2)

Hip fracture: Commonly referred to as a “broken hip.” (Chapter 10.6)

Humerus: Upper arm. (Chapter 10.2)

Hyoid: An independent bone that does not contact any other bone and, thus, is not part of the skull. (Chapter 10.2)

Hypovolemic shock: Type of shock caused by extensive blood loss and characterized by a rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and altered consciousness. (Chapter 10.6)

Ilium: The superior region that forms the largest part of the hip bone. (Chapter 10.2)

Immobilization: Involves using casts, splints, or braces to restrict movement of the affected limb or body part, allowing the bones to heal properly. (Chapter 10.6)

Impacted fracture: One fragment of the bone is driven into the other, usually as a result of compression. (Chapter 10.6)

Incomplete fracture: Bone cracks but doesn’t break completely into separate pieces.  (Chapter 10.6)

Inferior conchae: Lower lateral walls of the nasal cavity. (Chapter 10.2)

Intercostal: Area between the ribs. (Chapter 10.2)

Intervertebral disks: Cartilage that acts as shock absorbers and allows for flexibility in the spine. (Chapter 10.2)

Ischium: Forms the posteroinferior region of each hip bone and supports the body when sitting. (Chapter 10.2)

Joints: Places where two bones or bone and cartilage come together and form a connection. (Chapter 10.2)

Kyphosis: A curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back, often referred to as a “buffalo hump” that can lead to a hunchback or slouching posture. (Chapter 10.10)

Lacrimal: Walls of the inner orbit (i.e., eye socket). (Chapter 10.2)

Lateral malleolus: The bony protrusion on the lateral side of the ankle. (Chapter 10.2)

Latissimus dorsi: A large muscle in the back. (Chapter 10.2)

Ligaments: Narrow bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect a bone to a bone. (Chapter 10.2)

Lordosis: The inward curve of the lumbar spine just above the buttocks. (Chapter 10.10)

Lumbar: The five vertebrae that form the inner curvature of spine, L1 to L5. (Chapter 10.2)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses magnet and radio waves to generate detailed images of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues. (Chapter 10.3)

Mandible: Lower jawbone and only movable bone of the skull. (Chapter 10.2)

Manubrium: The upper portion of the sternum. (Chapter 10.2)

Maxillary: Upper jaw and hard palate. (Chapter 10.2)

Medial malleolus: The bony protrusion on the medial side of the ankle. (Chapter 10.2)

Metacarpals: Wrist bones. (Chapter 10.2)

Metatarsals: Bones of the anterior half of the foot. (Chapter 10.2)

Muscular dystrophy (MD): Refers to a group of diseases caused by abnormal muscle development due to gene mutations. (Chapter 10.10)

Myalgia: Muscle pain. (Chapter 10.10)

Myasthenia gravis (MG): A chronic, autoimmune, neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in voluntary muscles, including those required for breathing and swallowing. (Chapter 10.10)

Nasal: Pair of bones that form the bridge of the nose. (Chapter 10.2)

Nuclear medicine scans (Bone Scans): Bone scans involve injecting a radioactive tracer into the bloodstream, which accumulates in areas of increased bone turnover or damage. (Chapter 10.3)

Oblique fracture: Bone is broken at an angle. (Chapter 10.6)

Occipital: Posterior skull and base of the skull. (Chapter 10.2)

Open or compound fracture: Broken bone penetrates the skin, or there’s an open wound leading to the fracture site. (Chapter 10.6)

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Involves the surgical realignment of the fractured bones using screws, plates, or rods to stabilize and hold them in place while they heal. (Chapter 10.6)

Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone changes. (Chapter 10.7)

Osteoblasts: Bone-forming cells. (Chapter 10.2)

Osteoclasts: Cells responsible for bone breakdown. (Chapter 10.2)

Osteocytes: Mature bone cells. (Chapter 10.2)

Osteomyelitis: An infection in a bone. Infections can reach a bone by traveling through the bloodstream or spreading from nearby tissue. (Chapter 10.10)

Osteopenia: Abnormal reduction of bone mass. (Chapter 10.2, Chapter 10.8)

Osteoporosis: A progressive bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone density and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures. (Chapter 10.2, Chapter 10.8)

Palatine: Pair of L-shaped bones between the maxilla and the sphenoid that form the hard palate, walls of the nasal cavity, and orbital floor of the eye. (Chapter 10.2)

Paralysis: Occurs when an injury or medical condition disrupts the nerve signals to the muscles, resulting in being unable to make voluntary movements. (Chapter 10.10)

Parietal: Upper lateral sides of the skull. (Chapter 10.2)

Patella: Kneecap. (Chapter 10.2)

Pathologic fracture: A fracture that occurs due to disease process. (Chapter 10.6)

Pectoralis major: A thick, fan-shaped muscle situated on the chest. (Chapter 10.2)

Pelvic girdle: Structure formed by the two hip bones, the sacrum, the coccyx. (Chapter 10.2)

Phalanges: Fingers (and toes). (Chapter 10.2)

Phalanx: Single finger. (Chapter 10.2)

Phantom limb pain: Refers to the sensation of pain or discomfort felt in an amputated limb. (Chapter 10.5)

Prosthesis: An artificial body part. (Chapter 10.5)

Pubis: Forms the anterior portion of the hip bone. (Chapter 10.2)

Quadriceps: A large muscle group on the front of the thigh. (Chapter 10.2)

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS): Measures bone density at peripheral sites such as the heel with sound waves. (Chapter 10.8)

Radius: The thumb side of the forearm. (Chapter 10.2)

Rectus abdominis: A paired muscle running vertically on each side of the anterior wall of the abdomen. (Chapter 10.2)

Rhabdomyolysis: Refers to the breakdown of muscles that causes damage to the kidney. (Chapter 10.10)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): A chronic and systemic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the synovial tissue. (Chapter 10.9)

Rotator cuff: A group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. (Chapter 10.2)

Sacrum: The triangular-shaped bone at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae, a process that does not begin until after the age of 20. (Chapter 10.2)

Scapula: Shoulder blade. (Chapter 10.2)

Scoliosis: A sideways curve of the spine. (Chapter 10.10)

Six P’s: Acronym to describe warning signs of acute compartment syndrome. (Chapter 10.6)

Skeletal muscle: Voluntary muscle that produces movement of the arms, legs, back, neck, and maintains posture by resisting gravity. (Chapter 10.2)

Smooth muscle: Muscle which is responsible for involuntary muscle movement. (Chapter 10.2)

Spastic: The muscles tighten, causing uncontrollable jerks and spasms. (Chapter 10.10)

Spasticity: Stiff muscles. (Chapter 10.10)

Sphenoid: Posterior eye sockets and part of the base of the skull. (Chapter 10.2)

Spiral fracture: Bone has twisted apart. (Chapter 10.6)

Sprain: An injury to a joint when a ligament is stretched or torn. (Chapter 10.10)

Sternum: The breastbone. (Chapter 10.2)

Strain: An injury to a muscle or tendon from being overstretched or torn, causing pain. (Chapter 10.10)

Stress fracture: Small crack in a bone. (Chapter 10.6)

Striated muscle: Muscle which contains functional units called sarcomeres. (Chapter 10.2)

Subluxation: Refers to partial dislocation of a joint resulting in structural displacement. (Chapter 10.10)

Suture: The narrow fibrous joint found between the skull bones. (Chapter 10.2)

Swan-like deformity: A bending in (flexion) of the base of the finger, a straightening out (extension) of the middle joint, and a bending in (flexion) of the outermost joint. (Chapter 10.9)

Synovial fluid: The lubricating fluid found between synovial joints. (Chapter 10.2)

Synovial joints: Fully movable joints; have a fluid-filled space where two bones come together. (Chapter 10.2)

Synovial membrane: The lining or covering of synovial joints. (Chapter 10.2)

Tarsals: Bones of the posterior half of the foot. (Chapter 10.2)

Temporal: Lower lateral sides of the skull. (Chapter 10.2)

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): A hinge joint between the temporal bone and the mandible that allows for the opening, closing, protrusion, retraction, and lateral movement of the lower jaw. (Chapter 10.2)

Tendon: Narrow bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect a bone to a bone. (Chapter 10.2)

Tendonitis: Refers to inflammation of a tendon, causing pain around a joint. (Chapter 10.10)

Thoracic: The 12 vertebrae that form the outward curvature of the spine, T1 to T12. (Chapter 10.2)

Tibia: The medial bone and main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg, commonly called the shin. (Chapter 10.2)

Toe or partial foot amputation: Removal of toes or a part of the foot that preserves the foot structure, aiding in maintaining balance and mobility. (Chapter 10.5)

Traction: Application of a pulling force to the affected limb or body part using weights and pulleys to align and immobilize the fracture. (Chapter 10.6)

Transverse fracture: Bone is broken straight across. (Chapter 10.5)

Traumatic amputation: Amputation that occurs due to accidents, injuries, or severe trauma, resulting in the sudden loss of a limb. (Chapter 10.5)

Triceps brachii: Muscle on the posterior of the upper arm. (Chapter 10.2)

True ribs: Ribs 1-7 that are attached to the front of the sternum. (Chapter 10.2)

Ulna: The fifth finger side of the forearm. (Chapter 10.2)

Ultrasound imaging: Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to create images of soft tissues, tendons, and muscles. (Chapter 10.3)

Vertebrae: Bones of the back. (Chapter 10.2)

Vertebral column: Vertebrae that are separated by intervertebral disks. (Chapter 10.2)

Vertebroplasty: Involves the injection of cement into fractured vertebrae to stabilize the fracture areas. (Chapter 10.8)

Vomer: Bone that separates the left and right nasal cavity. (Chapter 10.2)

Wrist disarticulation: Amputation at the wrist joint. (Chapter 10.5)

Xiphoid process: The lower portion of the sternum made of cartilage. (Chapter 10.2)

Zygomatic: Pair of cheekbones. (Chapter 10.2)