Medical dictionary

What is a high-protein diet? A high-protein diet is often used to lose weight and to improve health. The diet often includes low amounts of fat and carbohydrates, and bases its main calorific intake on proteins. Proteins are molecules made up of amino acids. These nutrients are fundamental for the functioning of the cells of all living beings because they structure the tissues, help musc

What is a high resolution anoscopy? High resolution anoscopy, or HRA, is an outpatient diagnostic procedure used to examine the anal canal under magnification. It involves the use of an anoscope which is a small plastic tube that is inserted into the anus to inspect the anal canal. A colposcope which is a magnifying instrument is then used to inspect the anal canal and the skin around

What is a high-risk pregnancy? A high-risk pregnancy is one that involves complications or associated factors that pose a risk to the health of the mother and the foetus. Currently, around 10 per cent of pregnancies are considered high risk. Why is a pregnancy considered high-risk? The main factors that can identify a pregnancy as high-risk include: High blood pressure –

What is being analysed in this test? High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a blood test that measures the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your bloodstream. CRP is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. High levels of CRP can indicate inflammation in the body, which may be caused by various conditions such as infections, chronic diseases, or autoimmune dis

What is the hip?   The hip is the joint where the thigh bone (femur) and the pelvis meet.   It has two main parts: The “ball” at the end of the femur. The “socket” cavity in the pelvis.   The hip is a spheroidal or “ball-and-socket” joint in which the ball of the femur fits inside the socket of the pelvis. As a result,

What is hip arthroscopy?           Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat issues in the joint via small skin incisions, less than a centimetre big each. The procedure is done under general anaesthetic and lasts about 90 minutes. The duration will depend upon the type of issue being had and the treatment

What is hip dysplasia?Hip dysplasia is a condition of the hip joint in which the top of the thigh bone does not fit properly in the socket. This increases the risk of dislocation, i.e. the bone popping out of place. It is often referred to as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) or congenital hip dislocation, as it is usually a problem that is present from birth or early childhood development.

What is HIPEC? Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an alternative method of delivering chemotherapy, used alongside surgery to treat different types of cancer, particularly peritoneal cancer that has spread from the appendix, colon, or stomach. Unlike traditional chemotherapy that is delivered intravenously, HIPEC delivers heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen to des

What is a hip fracture? A hip fracture is a break in the femoral bone. Most hip fractures occur at one of the two areas of the femoral bone: Femoral neck: located at the top of the femur. Intertrochanteric region : located a little lower than the actual hip joint, in the area of the upper femur that projects outward. There is also a third type of hip fracture, called an atypical fract