Glossary of Terms

Occupational therapist

• A licensed healthcare professional who evaluates patients with muscle and joint conditions, such as arthritis, to determine the level of impact the disease has on daily living and activities; can prescribe assistance devices than can help improve the quality of daily living activities for patients with conditions of the muscles and joints.

Orthopaedic surgeon

• Also called an orthopaedist. A physician who diagnoses, treats, manages the rehabilitation process, and provides prevention protocols for patients who suffer from injury or disease in any of the components of the musculoskeletal system.

Orthopaedic surgery

• Also called orthopaedics. A medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Orthopaedist

• A doctor who treats injuries to the bones and who corrects congenital or functional abnormalities of the bones with surgery, casting, and bracing. Sometimes spelled orthopedist.

Osteoarthritis

• Also called the “wear and tear” arthritis. A common form of arthritis that is characterized by a breakdown in a joint’s cartilage; it is most commonly found in the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees and lower spine.

Osteoblasts

• Bone-forming cells.

Osteomyelitis

• Bone infection, usually caused by bacteria which destroys the bone.

Osteonecrosis

• See avascular necrosis.

Overuse conditions

• Injuries due to minor trauma involving soft tissue injuries. These are injuries that affect the bone, muscles, ligaments and/or tendons.

OXINIUM^◊ Oxidized Zirconium

• New material used in the production of components of knee and hip implants; a result of a process that allows oxygen to absorb into zirconium metal, which changes only the surface from a metal to ceramic; exhibits superior performance characteristics over commonly used cobalt chrome due to its hardness, smoothness, and resistance to scratching and abrasion; option for younger, active patients because it demonstrates low wear rates and may last longer than traditional cobalt chrome implants.