Glossary of Orthopedic Terms

carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition in which the median nerve in the lower arm and palm of hand is compressed. This can also cause numbness or weakness in the hands. Some people with severe carpal tunnel may need hand and wrist surgery to restore function.

cartilage

Cartilage is a rubbery connective soft tissue that helps provide cushion throughout the body, including in major joints like knees, hips and shoulders. Joint pain due to cartilage loss is common. Severe cartilage loss can lead to knee replacement or other types of joint reconstruction.

cervical spine

Commonly called the neck, the cervical spine (c-spine) is the upper section of the backbone.

computed tomography (CT)

A CT scan is a form of X-ray imaging that captures images of the body from different angles. The images are combined to create detailed cross-sectional views of organs, bones and blood vessels.

degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is the breakdown of soft tissue discs in the spine. It can be due to aging, injury or loss of moisture. Treatment may include spine surgery.

discography

A discography is a type of imaging test in which a contrast dye is injected into a spinal disc for greater detail before an X-ray or CT scan. This imaging is often done to help plan spine surgery.

dislocation

A dislocation is a type of joint injury in which bones are moved out of their normal position.

electromyography (EMG)

An electromyography (EMG) is a test that evaluates the health of your muscles and the nerve cells that control them. Your doctor may order this test if you’re having tingling, numbness, muscle weakness or muscle pain.

fascia

Fascia is the connective tissue around muscles, blood vessels and nerves. 

fasciitis

Fasciitis is an inflammation of the fascia, which is the connective tissue around muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Plantar fasciitis is a common inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel of the foot to the toes. Fasciitis pain can be treated by a doctor who specializes in orthopedics or podiatry.

femoral-acetabular impingement

Femoral-acetabular impingement is a growth of bone along one or both bones that form the hip joint. This makes the bones rub together in the joint, which can cause pain. In some cases, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend arthroscopy to repair the hip joint.

femur

Commonly called the thigh bone, the femur connects the hip and knee joints. This bone is involved during knee replacement and hip replacement.

fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a type of condition commonly treated by rheumatologists that causes chronic pain in specific muscles and ligaments. It can sometimes be confused with other types of chronic joint pain or arthritis.

fracture

A fracture is a common injury in which a bone is partially or fully broken.

frozen shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, a frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain, stiffness or limited movement in the shoulder joint. In some cases, shoulder surgery may be needed to loosen the joint.

ganglion cyst

A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous lump that develops along a tendon or joint, often in the wrist or hand. Most are painless, but in rare cases, hand and wrist surgery may be needed to relieve pain or restore joint movement.

golfer’s elbow

A common condition treated in sports medicine, golfer’s elbow is an inflammation of the tendons in the forearm and inside of the elbow. In some cases, elbow surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

hemiarthroplasty

Also called hip resurfacing, hemiarthroplasty is a type of joint reconstruction procedure in which the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) is left in place but trimmed and covered with a smooth metal fitting. Then the socket of the pelvis is removed and replaced with a metal shell, similar to hip replacement surgery.

herniated disc

A herniated disc is when one of the soft discs in the spine bulges out from its normal position. This bulge can press on the nerves in the spine and cause severe back pain, as well as numbness or weakness in the arms or legs. In some cases, spine surgery may be needed to remove the disc and stabilize the spine through artificial disc replacement or fusion.

hip arthroplasty

Also called minimally invasive hip replacement, hip arthroplasty is a type of hip replacement surgery that involves smaller incisions. Learn more about hip replacement surgery.

hip arthroscopy

It's a minimally invasive type of hip replacement surgery that uses a tiny camera and tools inserted through several small incisions around the thigh to correct the bony abnormality that is causing the impingement. Damaged soft tissues around the joint also may be repaired or reconstructed. Arthroscopy does not usually require an overnight hospital stay.

hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is when the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) does not fit properly into the socket of the pelvis. This causes the hip joint to wear out and become painful. Treatment for hip dysplasia usually involves joint reconstruction surgery or hip replacement.

hip joint replacement

Also called total hip replacement, hip joint replacement is a procedure in which the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) and the socket of the pelvis are replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic materials. Learn more about hip replacement. 

hip resurfacing

Also called hemiarthroplasty, hip resurfacing is a type of joint reconstruction procedure in which the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) is left in place but trimmed and covered with a smooth metal fitting. Then the socket of the pelvis is removed and replaced with a metal shell, similar to hip replacement surgery.

joint aspiration

Joint aspiration is a procedure to drain fluid from around a joint using a needle and syringe. It’s most often done on the knee.

joint replacement

A joint replacement is a type of joint reconstruction procedure in which the worn or damaged ends of bone within a joint are removed and replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic parts. Learn more about knee replacement and hip replacement.

knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery on the knee that involves the use of a tiny camera and smaller incisions than a traditional knee replacement. This procedure is often done to repair torn cartilage in the knee.

knee arthroplasty

Also called knee replacement, knee arthroplasty is a surgery in which worn or damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic parts. This includes the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), upper end of the shin bone (tibia) and back of the kneecap (patella). In some cases, robot-assisted knee replacement might be an option. Learn more about knee replacement surgery.

knee joint replacement

Also called knee arthroplasty, knee joint replacement is a surgery in which worn or damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic parts. This includes the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), upper end of the shin bone (tibia) and back of the kneecap (patella). In some cases, robot-assisted knee replacement might be an option. Learn more about knee replacement surgery.

kyphoplasty

Similar to vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to treat compression fractures of the spine usually caused by osteoarthritis. Learn more about spine surgery.

kyphosis

Kyphosis is a spine disorder that causes an extreme rounding or hunching of the upper back. In some cases, spine surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

labrum

The labrum is a piece of cartilage attached to the edge of the shoulder socket. It helps keep the ball of the shoulder joint in place. A tear in the labrum is a common sports medicine injury. In some cases, shoulder surgery may be needed to repair a torn labrum.

laminectomy

Laminectomy is a procedure to remove the back of one or more vertebral bones in the spine. Removing this small piece of bone, called the lamina, can relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce pain. The other bones in the spine and surrounding muscles are not affected. Learn more about spine surgery.

lateral collateral ligament (LCL)

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is the ligament that provides stability on the outer side of the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the lower leg (fibula). An LCL tear or injury is often treated by a sports medicine physician.

ligament

A ligament is a short band of fibrous, strong tissue that connect the ends of two bones or supports an organ in place. Ligaments are found in the head, neck, chest, pelvis, wrist, knees and other parts of the body. Ligament sprains and tears are common injuries treated by sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons.

ligament tear

A ligament tear is caused by overextending or twisting a joint. In some cases, joint reconstruction may be needed to repair the torn ligament and restore joint function.

long bone

A long bone is a hard, dense bone that provides strength and structure in the body. Examples are the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia).

lumbar spine

Also called the lower back, the lumbar spine is the lower section of the backbone. This is a common area for spine surgery.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI is an imaging test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to provide detailed images of areas inside the body. 

MCL reconstruction

A common procedure performed by sports medicine specialists, MCL reconstruction repairs a torn media cruciate ligament (MCL), which is on the inner side of the knee.

medial collateral ligament (MCL)

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the ligament that provides stability on the inner side of the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). An MCL tear or injury is a common condition treated by sports medicine specialists.

minimally invasive hip replacement

Also called hip arthroplasty, minimally invasive hip replacement is a type of hip replacement surgery that involves smaller incisions. Learn more about hip replacement surgery.

minimally invasive surgery

Also called arthroscopy or arthroscopic surgery, minimally invasive surgery is a type of joint reconstruction procedure that involves smaller incisions and the use of tiny camera.

nerve conduction study (NCS)

A nerve conduction study (NCS) is an electrical test to evaluate the health of nerves in an area of the body. Your doctor may order this test if you’re having tingling, numbness, weakness or pain. If a nerve problem is found, you may be referred to neurology.

Osgood-Schlatter disease

Also called osteochondrosis, Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that causes a painful bump on the upper part of the shinbone, just below the knee. It’s a common cause of knee pain in athletic teenagers and is often treated by a sports medicine physician.

osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis in which the cartilage on the ends of bones has worn away, causing joint pain. It’s often found in the knee or hip and is a common reason for knee replacement surgery.

osteochondral allograft transplantation

During joint reconstruction, osteochondral allograft transplantation is when cartilage from a donor is used to replace damaged cartilage in a joint.

osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a loss of blood supply. When this happens to the upper end of the thigh bone (femur), it can damage the hip joint.

osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the loss of bone strength. It raises the risk of a broken bone (fracture), which may require surgery.

Paget's disease of the bone

Paget's disease of the bone is a disease that interferes with the replacement of old bone tissue with new bone tissue as part of normal skeletal health. Symptoms may include bone pain, bone deformities and broken bones. Treatment usually involves medication to preserve bone health.

partial knee replacement

A partial knee replacement is a surgery in which worn or damaged parts of the knee are removed and replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic parts. This may include the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), upper end of shin bone (tibia) and possibly the back of kneecap (patella). In some cases, robot-assisted knee replacement might be an option. Learn more about knee replacement surgery.

partial shoulder replacement

A partial shoulder replacement is a type of shoulder surgery in which only the upper end of the upper arm bone (humerus) is resurfaced and capped with metal. The bones in the shoulder socket are left in place. Learn more about shoulder surgery.

patella

Also called the kneecap, the patella is a movable, circular bone connected to the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). It helps protect the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.

patellofemoral syndrome

Also called runner's knee, patellofemoral syndrome causes pain in the front of knee and around the kneecap (patella). It’s often associated with sports and can be treated by a sports medicine specialist.

periosteum

Periosteum is a fibrous sheath of tissue that covers bones. Overworking this tissue can cause pain, such as shin splints. 

physical therapy

Physical therapy is a type of rehabilitation that involves specifically designed movements, exercises and equipment to help people regain physical function. 

posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)

One of two ligaments in the center of the knee, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Some people who injure this ligament will see a sports medicine physician for treatment.

post-traumatic arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis caused by an old injury to a joint, including the knee or hip. It can be a reason for needing a knee replacement.

radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is pain in arms and legs that is caused by a pinched or damaged nerve in the spine. Sciatica is a common type of radiculopathy. When conservative treatments aren’t successful, spine surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

range of motion testing

Range of motion testing measures the amount of movement by a joint in the body. This test is a common part of physical rehabilitation, sports medicine and other types of orthopedics treatment.

reverse total shoulder replacement

Reverse total shoulder replacement is a type of shoulder replacement in which the ball and socket of the joint is reversed. As with a traditional shoulder replacement, the damaged surfaces are removed and replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic materials. Then the new "ball" in the joint is attached to the shoulder, and the new "socket" is attached to the upper arm. This type of shoulder replacement may be a good option for people with a completely torn rotator cuff or cuff tear arthropathy. Learn more about shoulder surgery.

rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. The condition is often treated by a rheumatologist.

robot-assisted surgery

Robot-assisted surgery is a type of surgery in which a surgeon is assisted by an FDA-approved robotic device. During a robot-assisted knee replacement or hip replacement, the robotic device creates computerized 3D images of the joint anatomy before removing any damaged bone. 

rotator cuff

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that act like tendons to attach the upper arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula). Most people with a rotator cuff injury will see a sports medicine physician for treatment, which may include shoulder surgery.

sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, extending from the spinal cord as nerve roots in the lower spine and running down the back of the leg to the toes. Pressure on this nerve can lead to a painful condition called sciatica.

sciatica

Sciatica is a type of radiculopathy in which pain may be felt in the lower back and hip or down into the leg. In some cases, spine surgery may be recommended to help relieve pain.

scoliosis

Scoliosis is the sideways curve of the spine. It’s most often seen in children and teens. In some cases, spine surgery may be recommended.

sesamoid bones

A sesamoid bone is a bone that naturally grows within a tendon. In the feet, the sesamoid bones are small bones that grow within the tendons that run to the big toe. Inflammation of these bones is called sesamoiditis.

sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones in the front part of the foot. It causes pain in the ball of the foot, specifically under the big toe joint. In some cases, foot surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

shoulder arthroplasty

Also called total shoulder replacement, shoulder arthroplasty is a procedure to remove the damaged surfaces of the shoulder bone and replace them with metal, plastic or ceramic materials. Learn more about shoulder surgery.

shoulder resurfacing

Shoulder resurfacing is a type of shoulder procedure in which the joint is resurfaced but not replaced. Learn more about shoulder surgery.

SLAP tear

A SLAP tear stands for superior labral tear from anterior to posterior. It’s a type of tear in the top part of the labrum, which is a piece of cartilage in the shoulder. Many people with a SLAP injury will see a sports medicine physician for treatment, which may involve medication, physical therapy or shoulder surgery.

spinal deformity

A spinal deformity is when the bones (vertebrae) in the back do not develop properly. 

spinal fusion

Spinal fusion is a permanent procedure to join two or more bones (vertebrae) in the back to create stability. Learn more about spine surgery.

spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of spinal canal, often in the neck or lower back. It can lead to a pinched nerve, which can cause pain, numbness and other symptoms. In some cases, spine surgery may be needed.

spinal tumors

Spinal tumors are growths in the backbone. They can be benign or cancer. Both types can put pressure on the nerves in the back and may require spine surgery.

spine

Also called the backbone, the spine is a complex part of the anatomy that extends from the neck to the buttocks area. It protects the spinal cord and nerves, helps support the body's weight and allows humans to stand upright. A spinal injury, tumor or disease may require spine surgery.

spine surgery

Spine surgery is any invasive procedure involving the spine. Learn more about spine surgery.

spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is when a bone (vertebra) in the lower back slips over the bone directly below it, which can put pressure on the nerves and cause severe back pain. It's often caused by an untreated crack or fracture. In some cases, spine surgery may be needed.

spondylosis

Spondylosis a general term for age-related wear and tear of the spine. It can also refer to a crack or stress fracture in the backbone. In some cases, spine surgery may be needed.

sports medicine

Sports medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on sports injuries and conditions related to athletic activities. Learn more about sports medicine.

sprain

A common sports medicine condition, a sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. It occurs when the joint moves beyond its normal range of motion due to force.

stem cell injection

Stem cell injection is a non-FDA approved procedure in which stem cells are introduced to an injured or diseased part of the body.

stress fracture

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by overuse. It is often treated by a sports medicine physician or general orthopedist.

tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the compression, or squeezing, of the posterior tibial nerve along the inside of the ankle. This causes a burning pain, numbness and tingling along the nerve, which runs from the inside of the ankle into the foot. In rare cases, foot and ankle surgery may be needed.

tendon

A tendon is tough, fibrous soft tissue that connects muscles to bones.

tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon due to overuse, often in the elbow. Some people with tendinitis see a sports medicine physician for treatment.

tennis elbow

A common sports medicine condition, tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons in the forearm and elbow due to repetitive use. In rare cases, elbow surgery may be needed.

thoracic spine

The thoracic spine is the middle part of the backbone. Diseases and conditions to this part of the spine may be treated with spine surgery.

tibia

Tibia is the medical word for the shin bone, which connects the knee and ankle joints. It’s often involved in knee replacement surgery.

total elbow replacement

Total elbow replacement is a procedure to remove the damaged bone and cartilage in the elbow and replace them with metal, plastic or other materials. Learn more about elbow surgery.

total hip replacement surgery

Also called hip joint replacement, total hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) and the socket of the pelvis are replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic materials. Learn more about hip replacement. 

total knee replacement surgery

Also called knee joint replacement, total knee replacement surgery is a surgery to remove worn or damaged parts of the knee joint and replace them with metal, plastic or ceramic parts. This includes the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), upper end of the shin bone (tibia) and back of kneecap (patella). In some cases, robot-assisted knee replacement might be an option.. Learn more about knee replacement surgery.

total shoulder replacement surgery

Also called shoulder arthroplasty, total shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure to remove the damaged surfaces of the shoulder bone and replace them with metal, plastic or ceramic materials. Learn more about shoulder surgery.

trauma

Trauma is the medical word for an injury. An orthopedic surgeon who specializes in trauma is a physician who treats injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

turf toe

Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe due to hyperextension. This sports medicine condition is most often found in athletes who play on artificial turf. 

UCL reconstruction

UCL reconstruction is a procedure to repair a torn ulnar cruciate ligament (UCL), which is on the inner side of the elbow. Learn more about elbow surgery.

ulnar collateral ligament (UCL)

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the ligament on the inner side of the elbow. It connects the upper arm bone (humerus) to the lower arm bone (ulna). Some people who injure this ligament see a sports medicine physician for treatment, which may involve elbow surgery.

vertebroplasty

Similar to kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to treat compression fractures of the spine usually caused by osteoarthritis. Learn more about spine surgery.

X-ray

An X-ray is an imaging test that uses electromagnetic radiation to provide images of areas inside the body, often bones. A weight-bearing X-ray of the knee is often required before a knee replacement or other knee surgery can be considered.