Glossary of Terms

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1. Achondroplasia

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Acetaminophen

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

5. ACL tear

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

6. Analgesic

   • A drug that relieves pain.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Anticoagulant

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

10. Arthritis

    • Inflammation of the joint.

11. 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.

12. Articular cartilage

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

13. Articular cartilage injuries

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

14. Aspirin

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

15. 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.