Glossary of Terms

Achondroplasia

• Common cause of dwarfism, unusually short stature. Caused by a genetic defect.

Abduction pillow

• Often used following hip replacement surgery; it is positioned between the patient’s legs for proper hip abduction (spreading) of both legs to prevent hip dislocation.

Acetabulum

• The cup-shaped socket of the hip joint and a feature of the pelvis; the head of the femur (thighbone) fits into the acetabulum forming a ball-and-socket joint.

Acetaminophen

• A drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain within the joint.

ACL tear

• Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament; often occurs when twisting the knee due to a quick change in direction, deceleration or jumping.

Analgesic

• A drug that relieves pain.

Anesthesiologist

• A physician who specializes in the practice of anesthesiology, a branch of medicine that specializes in the use of drugs or other agents that cause insensitivity to pain.

Anterior cruciate ligament

• Also known as the ACL; attaches to the front of the tibia and back of the femur; responsible for stabilizing the knee.

Anticoagulant

• Medication that is prescribed to prevent coagulation or blood from clotting.

Arthritis

• Inflammation of the joint.

Arthroscopy

• Use of an intra-articular camera inserted into the joint through a small incision to show the inside of a joint; the procedure allows physicians to also assess, repair and reconstruct various tissues both within and around the joint.

Articular cartilage

• Cartilage that covers the ends of the bones; when healthy, it provides a frictionless and wear-resistant surface for joint movement.

Articular cartilage injuries

• Injury to the articular cartilage; often occurs in the knee joint due to rapid deceleration or quick changes in direction.

Aspirin

• A drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation within the joint.

Avascular necrosis

• Also called osteonecrosis; bone disease that results in temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone; when blood supply is cut off, the bone tissue dies and the bone can potentially collapse.