An Orthopedic Dictionary

There are many terms used in medicine that can be confusing. We’ve compiled a list of common Orthopedic & Sports Medicine terms for you. Check out our orthopedic dictionary below.

Arthritis– Any inflammatory process in a joint.

Arthroscopy – Examination or surgical repair of the interior of a joint with an arthroscope. This is done via two small incisions or portals that provide access to the joint. This surgery is commonly known as a “scope.”

Arthroplasty– The surgical reconstruction of a joint in order to restore motion and function. This is commonly known as a “total knee/hip/shoulder.”

Articular Cartilage– Connective tissue that acts as cushioning on the bones

Bursa– A sac filled with fluid that sit around joints or areas of friction that protects underlying structures. When inflamed or irritated, the condition is called bursitis.

Contusion– An injury to the soft tissue, commonly known as a bruise.

Dislocation– Complete slippage of a bone from its normal anatomical position in a joint.

Fracture– A bone break

Joint– where space where two bones meet.

Labrum– A cartilage rim that helps to keep the ball of the shoulder or hip joint in place

Ligament– Connective tissue that links bones together.

Meniscus– The crescent shaped cartilage tissue that sit between the knee bones to act as a shock absorber.

ORIF– Open reduction, internal fixation. This is done to put displaced fractures back into place.

Osteoarthritis– A joint disorder characterized by a deterioration of cartilage in a joint.

Osteoporosis– A disorder characterized by decreased bone density, which makes the risk of fracture higher.

Sprain– An injury to a ligament

Strain– An injury to a muscle or tendon

Stress Fracture– A break in normal bone caused by repeated trauma, not an acute incident.

Tendon– Tissue that connects muscle to bone