medical glossary

AC Joint — Acromioclavicular joint; joint of the Bone Scan — An imaging procedure in which a Edema — Accumulation of fluid in organs and tis- shoulder where acromion process of the scapula radioactive-labeled substance is injected into the sues of the body (swelling). and the distal end of the clavicle meet; most shoul- body to determine the status of a bony injury. If the Effusion — Accumulation of fluid, in various der separations occur at this point. radioactive substance is taken up the bone at the spaces in the body, or the knee itself. Commonly, Abduct — Movement of any extremity away from injury site, the injury will show as a “hot spot” on the knee has an effusion after an injury. the midline of the body. This action is achieved by the scan image. The bone scan is particularly use- ful in the diagnosis of stress fractures. Electrical Galvanic Stimulation (EGS) — An elec- an abductor muscle. trical therapeutic modality that sends a current to Abrasion — Any injury which rubs off the surface Brachial Plexus — Network of nerves originating the body at select voltages and frequencies in of the skin. from the cervical vertebrae and running down to order to stimulate pain receptors, disperse edema, the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers. Abscess — An infection which produces pus; can or neutralize muscle spasms among other function- be the result of a blister, callus, penetrating wound Bruise — A discoloration of the skin due to an al applications. or laceration. extravasation of blood into the underlying tissues. Electromyogran (EMG) — Test to determine nerve Adduct — Movement of an extremity toward the Bursa — A fluid-filled sac that is located in areas function. midline of the body. This action is achieved by an where friction is likely to occur, then minimizes the Epicondylitis — Inflammation in the elbow due to adductor muscle. friction; for example between a tendon and bone. overuse. Adhesion — Abnormal adherence of collagen Capsule — An enclosing structure which sur- Ethyl Chloride — “Cold splay,” a chemical coolant fibers to surrounding structures during immobiliza- rounds the joint and contains ligaments which sta- sprayed onto an injury site to produce a local, mild tion following trauma or as a complication of sur- bilize that joint. anesthesia. gery which restricts normal elasticity of the struc- Cartilage — Smooth, slippery substance prevent- Fat Percentage — The amount of body weight that tures involved. ing two ends of bones from rubbing together and is adipose, fat tissue. Fat percentages can be calcu- Aerobic — Exercise in which energy needed is sup- grating. lated by underwater weighing, measuring select plied by oxygen inspired and is required for sus- CAT Scan — Use of a computer to produce a cross skinfold thickness, or by analyzing electrical tained periods of vigorous exercise with a continu- sectional view of the anatomical part being investi- impedance. ally high pulse rate. gated from X-ray data. Femur — Thigh bone; longest bone in the body. Anabolic Steroids — Steroids that promote tissue Cellulitis — Inflammation of cellular or connective Fibula — Smaller of the two bones in the lower leg; growth by creating protein in an attempt to tissue. runs from knee to the ankle along the outside of the enhance muscle growth. The main anabolic steroid Cervical Vertebrae — Group of seven vertebrae lower leg. is testosterone (male sex hormone). located in the neck. Flexibility — The ability of muscle to relax and Anaerobic — Exercise without use of oxygen as an Charley Horse — A contusion or bruise to any yield to stretch forces. energy source; short bursts of vigorous exercises. muscle resulting in intramuscular bleeding. No Flexibility Exercise — General term used to Anaphylactic Shock — Shock that is caused by an other injury should be called a charley horse. describe exercise performed by a player to pas- allergic reaction. Colles’ Fracture — A fracture of the distal end of sively or actively elongate soft tissue without the Anterior Compartment Syndrome — Condition in the radium with the lower end being displaced assistance of an athletic trainer. which swelling within the anterior compartment of backward. Fracture — Breach of continuity of a bone. Types the lower leg jeopardizes the viability of muscles, Concentric Muscle Contraction — A shortening of of fractures include simple, compound, comminut- nerves and arteries that serve the foot. In severe the muscle as it develops tension and contracts to ed, greenstick incomplete, impacted, longitudinal, cases, emergency surgery is necessary to relieve move a resistance. oblique, stress, or transverse. the swelling and pressure. Concussion — Jarring injury of the brain resulting Gamekeeper’s Thumb — Tear of the ulnar collater- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) — A primary in dysfunction. It can be graded as mild, moderate al ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the stabilizing ligament within the center of the knee or severe depending on loss of consciousness, thumb. joint that prevents hyperextension and excessive amnesia and loss of equilibrium. rotation of the joint. A complete tear of the ACL Glycogen — Form in which foods are stored in the necessitating reconstruction could require up to 12 Contusion — An injury to a muscle and tissues body as energy. months of rehabilitation. caused by a blow from a blunt object Grade One Injury — A mild injury in which liga- Anterior Talofibular Ligament — A ligament of the Cortical Steroids — Used to suppress joint inflam- ment, tendon, or other musculoskeletal tissue may ankle that connects the fibula (lateral ankle bone) mation. have been stretched or contused, but not torn of to the talus. This ligament is often subject to Costochondral — Cartilage that separates the otherwise disrupted. sprain. bones within the rib cage. Grade Two Injury — A moderate injury when mus- Anti-Inflammatory — Any agent which prevents Cryokinetics — Treatment with cold and move- culoskeletal tissue has been partially, but not total- inflammation, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. ment. ly, torn which causes appreciable limitation in func- tion of the injured tissue. Anteriogram — A film demonstrating arteries after Cryotherapy — A treatment with the use of cold. injection of a dye. Grade Three Injury — A severe injury in which tis- Cyst — Abnormal sac containing liquid or semi- sue has been significantly, and in some cases total- Arthrogram — X-ray technique for joints using air solid matter. ly, torn or otherwise disrupted causing a virtual and/or dye injected into the affected area; useful in Degenerative Joint Disease — Changes in the joint total loss of function. diagnosing meniscus tears of the knee and rotator surface as a result of repetitive trauma. cuff tears of the shoulder. Hamstring — Category of muscle that runs from Deltoid Ligament — Ligament that connects the the buttocks to the knee along the back of the Anthroscope — An instrument used to visualize tibia to bones of the medial aspect of the foot and thigh. It functions to flex the knee, and is often the interior of a joint cavity. is primarily responsible for stability of the ankle on injured as a result of improper conditioning or lack Arthroscopy — A surgical examination of the inter- the medial side. Is sprained less frequently than of muscle flexibility. nal structures of a joint by means for viewing other ankle ligaments. Heat Cramps — Painful muscle spasms of the arms through an arthroscope. An arthroscopic proce- Deltoid Muscle — Muscles at top of the arm, just or legs caused by excessive body heat and deple- dure can be used to remove or repair damaged tis- below the shoulder, responsible for shoulder tion of fluids and electrolytes. sue or as a diagnostic procedure in order to inspect motions to the front, side and back. the extent of any damage or confirm a diagnosis. Heat Exhaustion — Mild form of shock due to Disc, Intervertebral — A flat, rounded plate dehydration because of excessive sweating when Aspiration — The withdrawal of fluid from a body between each vertebrae of the spine. This disc con- exposed to heat and humidity. cavity by means of a suction or siphonage appara- sists of a thick fiber ring which surrounds a soft gel- tus, such as a syringe. Heat Stroke — Condition of rapidly rising internal like interior. It functions as a cushion and shock body temperature that overwhelms the body’s Atrophy — To shrivel or shrink from disuse, as in absorber for the spinal column. mechanisms for release of heat and could result in muscular atrophy. Dislocation — Complete displacement of joint sur- death if not cared for appropriately. Avascular Necrosis — Death of a part due to lack faces. Heel Cup — Orthotic device that is inserted into the of circulation. Eccentric Muscle Contraction — An overall length- shoe and fit under the heel to give support to the Avulsion — The tearing away, forcibly, of a part or ening of the muscles as it develops tension and Achilles tendon and help absorb impacts at the heel. structure. contracts to control motion performed by an out- Hematoma — Tumor-like mass produced by an Baker’s Cyst — Localized swelling of a bursa sac in side force; oft times referred to a “negative” con- accumulation of coagulated blood in a cavity. traction in weight training. the posterior knee as a result of fluid that has Hot Pack — Chemical pack that rests in water, escaped from the knee capsule. A Baker’s cyst indi- Eccymosis — Bleeding into the surface tissue approximately 160 degrees, and retains its heat for cates that there is a trauma inside the knee joint below the skin, resulting in a “black and blue” effect. 15-20 minutes when placed in a towel for general that leads to excessive fluid production. therapeutic application. 545 Humerus — Bone of the upper arm that runs from Plica — Fold of tissue in the joint capsule and a to determine joint stability. This is a test utilized in the shoulder to the elbow. common result of knee injury. some ankle injuries. Hydrotherapy — Treatment using water. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) — A primary Stretching — Any therapeutic maneuver designed Hyperextension — Extreme extension of a limb or stabilizing ligament of the knee that provides signif- to elongate shortened soft tissue structures and body part. icant stability and prevents displacement of the thereby increase flexibility. tibia backward within the knee joint. A complete Iliotibial Band — A thick, wide fascial layer that Subluxation — Partial dislocation of a joint. The tear of this ligament necessitating reconstruction term usually implies that the joint can return to its runs from the iliac crest to the knee joint and is could require up to 12 months of rehabilitation. occasionally inflamed as a result of excessive normal position without formal reduction. running. Quadricep Muscles “Quads” — A group of four Talus — The ankle bone that articulates with the muscles of the front thigh that run from the hip and tibia and fibula to form the ankle joint. Inflammation — The body’s natural response to form a common tendon at the patella; they are injury in which the injury site might display vari- responsible for knee extension. Target Heart Rate — A pre-determined pulse to be ous degrees of pain, sweating, heat, redness, obtained during exercise when circulation is work- and/or loss of function. Radiography — Taking of X-rays. ing at full efficient capacities. Internal Rotation — Rotation of a joint or extremi- Radius — Forearm bone on the thumb side. Tarsals — Group of seven bones of the foot consist- ty medially, to the inside. Reconstruction — Surgical rebuilding of a joint ing of the calnavicular, talus, cuboid and three Lesion — Wound, injury or tumor. using natural, artificial or transplanted materials. cuneiform bones. Ligament — Band of fibrous tissue that connects Referred Pain — Pain felt in an undamaged area of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) — The articula- bone to bone or bone to cartilage and supports and body away from the actual injury. tion of the jaw and skull; considered by some to be strengthens joints. Retraction — The moving of tissue to expose a part vital in resolution of injuries throughout the body. Lumbar Vertebrae — Five vertebrae of the lower or structure of the body. Tendinities — Inflammation of the tendon and/or back that articulate with the sacrum to form the Rotator Cuff — Comprised of four muscles in the tendon sheath, caused by chronic overuse or sud- lumbosacral joint shoulder area that can be irritated by over use. The den injury. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) — Imaging muscles are the supraspinatus(most commonly Tendon — Tissue that connects muscle to bone. procedure in which a radio frequency pulse causes injured), infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapu- Tennis Elbow -- General term for lateral elbow pain. laris. certain electrical elements of the injured tissue to Thoracic — Group of twelve vertebrae located in react to this pulse and through this process a com- Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome — A micro- the thorax and articulate with the twelve ribs. puter display and permanent film establish a visual trauma or overuse injury caused by stress, and the image. MRI does not require radiation and is very four stages are: 1) Tendentious with temporary Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome — A useful in the diagnosis of soft tissue, disc, and thickening of the bursa and rotator cuff; 2) Fiber neuro-vascular disorder of the upper extremity meniscus injuries. dissociation in the tendon with permanent thicken- common in throwing. Meniscectomy — An intra-articular surgical proce- ing of the bursa and scar formation; 3) A partial Tibia — Larger of the two bones of the lower leg dure of the knee by which all or part of the dam- rotator cuff tear of less than one centimeter; and 4) and is the weight-bearing bone of the shin. aged meniscus is removed. A complete tear of one centimeter or more. Tomograph — A special type of X-ray apparatus Meniscus — Crescent shaped cartilage, usually Sacrum — Group of five fused vertebrae located that demonstrates an organ or tissue at a particu- pertaining to the knee joint; also known as “carti- just below the lumbar vertebrae of the low back. lar depth. lage.” There are two menisci in the knee, medial Scapula — Shoulder blade. Trachea — The windpipe. and lateral. These work to absorb weight within the Sciatica — Irritation of the sciatic nerve resulting Trascutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) knee and provide stability. in pain or tingling running down the inside of the — An electrical modality that sends a mild current Metacarpals — Five long bones of the hand, run- leg. through pads at the injury site which stimulates ning from the wrist to the fingers. Sciatic Nerve — Major nerve that carries impulses the brain to release the natural analgesic, endor- Metatarsals — Five long bones of the foot, running for muscular action and sensations between the phin. from the ankle to the toes. low back and thigh and lower leg; it is the longest Transverse Process — Small lateral projection off Myositis — Inflammation of a muscle. nerve in the body. the right side and left side of each vertebrae that functions as an attachment site for muscles and lig- Necrotic — Relating to death of a portion of tissue. Shin Splint — A catch-all syndrome describing pain in the skin that is not a fracture or tumor and aments of the spine. Neoprene — Lightweight rubber used in joint and cannot be defined otherwise. Trapezius — Flat triangular muscle covering the muscle sleeves designed to provide support and/or posterior surface of the neck and shoulder. insulation and heat retention to the area. Sorbothane — An energy absorbing polyurethane utilized in some foot orthotics to absorb shock Triceps — Muscle of the back of the upper arm, pri- Neuritis — Inflammation of a nerve. forces of the foot. marily responsible for extending the elbow. Orthotic — Any device applied to or around the Spasm (Theory) — Muscle soreness induced by Turf Toe — Sprain of the metatarsophalangeal body in the care of physical impairment or disabil- exercise; is the result of reduced muscle blood (MTP) joint of the great toe. ity, commonly used to control foot mechanics. flow, which results in pain. Ulna — Forearm bone that runs from the tip of the Parasthesia — Sensation of numbness or tingling, Spleen — Large, solid organ responsible for the elbow to the little finger side of the wrist. indicating nerve irritation. normal production and destruction of blood cells. Ulnar Nerve — Nerve in elbow commonly irritated Patella — The kneecap. The patella functions to Spondylitis — Inflammation of one or more verte- from excessive throwing. protect the distal end of the femur as well as brae. increase the mechanical advantage and force gen- Ultrasound — An electrical modality that transmits erating capacities of the quadriceps muscle group. Spondylolisthesis — Forward displacement of one a sound wave through an applicator into the skin to vertebrae over another below it due to a develop- the soft tissue in order to heat the local area for Patella Tendinitis — Inflammation of the patella mental defect in the vertebrae. relaxing the injured tissue and/or disperse edema. ligament; also known as “jumpers knee.” Spondylosis — Abnormal vertebral fixation or Valgus — Angulation outward and away from the Patellofemoral Joint — Articulation of the knee immobility. midline of the body. cap and femur. Inflammation of this joint can occur through: 1) acute injury to the patella, 2) overuse Sprain — Injury resulting from a stretch or twist of Varus -- Angulation inward and toward the midline from excessive running particularly if there is an the joint and causes various degrees of stretch or of the body. associated knee weakness, 3) chronic wear and tear of a ligament or other soft tissue at the joint. Vasoconstriction — Decrease of local blood flow. tear of the knee, 4) as a result of poor foot mechan- Sternum — The breast bone. Vasodilation — Increase of local blood flow. ics. Patellofemoral irritation can lead to chondro- Steroids — Any one of a large number of hormone- “Wind Knocked Out” — Syndrome describing a malancia, which in its most chronic condition, like substances. See Anabolic steroids and cortical could require surgery. contraction of the abdominal nerve truck, the solar steroids. plexus, as a result of an abdominal contusion. Peroneal Muscles — Group of muscles of the later- Strain — Injury resulting from a pull or torsion to al lower leg that are responsible for everting the Wrist — The junction between the two forearm the muscle or tendon that causes various degrees bones (radius and ulna) and the eight wrist bones knee. Tendons of these three muscles are vital to of stretch or tear to the muscle or tendon tissue. the stability of the ankle and foot. (trapezium, capitate, hamate, pisiform, triquetral, Stress Fracture — A hair-line type of break in a lunate and scaphoid). Phalanx — Any bone of the fingers or toes; plural bone caused by overuse. is phalanges. Zygoma — The cheekbone. Stress X-ray — A continual X-ray taken when a por- Phlebitis — Inflammation of a vein. tion of the body is stressed to its maximum in order

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