The University of Rochester Medical Center defines orthopedic medicine as a specialty that deals with the treatments of bones and muscles. Orthopedic terms can seem fairly straightforward. However, when you think about how many bones and muscles there are in your body, the amount of information required can become overwhelming.   

Learning The Basic Orthopedic Terms   

At South Shore Orthopedics, we want to give you a basic understanding of orthopedic terms. That way, you can feel confident about your health and ask the necessary questions. While there are even still many words and terms to learn, this is a great way to get started. Our doctors want you to have a basic understanding of orthopedic terms before even ever walking into the office. It may even just be something you’re interested in!

General Clinical Orthopedic Terms   

R.I.C.E.  

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, a common treatment for sprains and strains  

Femur 

Thighbone

Diagnosis 

The decision made regarding the nature of a disease, illness, or condition 

Humerus  

Bone found in the upper arm

Laxity   

Freedom of movement in a joint can be excessive or normal 

Tibia

The shin bone, larger bone located in the lower leg     

Bones & Joints 

Joint 

The point where the ends of two bones meet   

Cartilage  

A smooth material covers bone ends of a joint to cushion the bone allowing the joint to move easily without pain  

Ligaments 

A flexible band of fibrous tissue that brings together joints and connects the various bones and cartilage 

Tendon 

A flexible band of fibrous tissue that brings together joints and connects the various bones and cartilage 

Conditions 

Arthritis  

Inflammation of a joint, usually paired with pain, swelling of the area, and often times change in the structure 

Baker’s Cyst  

A fluid-filled sac found behind the knee, causes a feeling of tightness and may even cause a bulge behind the knee 

Bunion 

Swelling and inflammation make an impact on the bursa on the joint in the big toe  

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  

The median nerve is under pressure which causes pain, tingling in the fingers, and weakness in the hand

Gout  

A defect in body chemistry that causes an attack on small joints, can be controlled by medication and changes to the diet

Heel Spur

bone growth on the heel bone

Scoliosis

Lateral curvature and rotation of the backbone that gives the appearance that the patient is leaning to one side or the other

Osteoporosis

A condition that presents itself when the bone is no longer replaced at the same rate that it is being removed

Tests & Treatments  

Electromyogram (EMG) 

A test that evaluates muscle and nerve function  

Ultrasound  

A way of diagnosing that uses high-frequency sound waves to create imaging of internal organs  

X-Ray 

A way of diagnosing that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, organs, and bones onto film

Cast

Used to hold a bone in place, as it prevents movement during the healing process – it will immobilize a specific area of the body

CAT Scan 

This is a combination of computer technology and x-rays for diagnostic imaging, produces cross-sectional images of the body, vertically and horizontally, used to view bones, fat, organs, and muscles with more detail 

 

Defining basic orthopedic terms can give patients and researchers more insight into the specialty as a whole. This is a great way to start learning. You may even find more of an interest in orthopedic medicine than you ever expected to! Are you interested in learning more about orthopedic terms and medicine? At South Shore Orthopedics, our team of experts is here to provide resources and information to anyone that wants to hear about it! Check out our website or give us a call at (781) 337-5555.