X Glossary
Above-elbow (Transhumeral) amputation: Amputation above the elbow joint. (Chapter 10.5)
Above-knee (Transfemoral) amputation: Amputation above the knee joint, requiring more energy for mobility due to the absence of the knee joint and increased leverage requirements. (Chapter 10.5)
Acetabulum: The large socket that holds the head of the femur. (Chapter 10.2)
Achilles tendon: Attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. (Chapter 10.2)
Acromion: An extension from the scapula that forms the bony tip of the shoulder. (Chapter 10.2)
Acute compartment syndrome (ACS): Increased pressure within a muscle compartment, resulting in reduced blood flow to the tissues within that compartment. (Chapter 10.6)
Amputation: Refers to the surgical removal of a body part. (Chapter 10.5)
Ankle disarticulation: Amputation at the ankle joint, preserving the heel pad for weight-bearing and prosthetic fitting. (Chapter 10.5)
Arthrocentesis: A surgical puncture to aspirate fluid from a joint, such as the knee, for lab analysis and symptom relief. (Chapter 10.3)
Arthroplasty: Refers to joint replacement surgery; an invasive procedure requiring extended recovery time. (Chapter 10.7)
Arthroscopy: A common procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons to view the inside of a joint to diagnose and/or to repair joint problems. (Chapter 10.3, Chapter 10.7)
Ataxia: Poor balance and coordination. (Chapter 10.10)
Below-elbow (Transradial) amputation: Amputation below the elbow joint. (Chapter 10.5)
Below-knee (Transtibial) amputation: Amputation below the knee joint, providing a longer residual limb for better prosthetic control and energy-efficient walking. (Chapter 10.5)
Biceps brachialis: Muscle located in the arm that flexes the elbow joint and rotates the forearm. (Chapter 10.2)
Biceps brachii: Muscle on the anterior upper arm. (Chapter 10.2)
Body: References the middle portion of the sternum. (Chapter 10.2)
Bone density scans (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry – DEXA or DXA): Specialized X-ray tests that measure bone mineral density. (Chapter 10.3)
Boutonniere deformities: Firm, observable lumps underneath the skin on or near the base of the joint. (Chapter 10.9)
Buck’s traction: Skin traction that involves the application of weights over the end of the bed as a pulling force. (Chapter 10.6)
Calcaneus: Heel bone. (Chapter 10.2)
Cardiac muscle: Specialized muscle located in the heart. (Chapter 10.2)
Carpals: Wrist bones. (Chapter 10.2)
Cartilaginous joints: When two bones are connected by cartilage; a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. (Chapter 10.2)
Cerebral palsy (CP): A group of disorders that affects the ability to move and maintain balance and posture. (Chapter 10.10)
Cervical: The first seven vertebrae in the neck region, C1 to C7. (Chapter 10.2)
Clavicle: Connects the sternum to the scapula; also known as the collarbone. (Chapter 10.2)
Closed or simple fracture: The broken bone doesn’t penetrate the skin, remaining within the body. (Chapter 10.6)
Closed