Medical dictionary

What is angle-closure glaucoma? Angle closure glaucoma is a serious condition that makes the pressure inside the eye rise suddenly, within a matter of hours. It is not as common as other types of glaucoma that cause pressure to build-up much more slowly over a longer period of time. The rapid increase in pressure inside the eye is called intraocular pressure.   What causes angl

What is aniridia? Aniridia is a hereditary and congenital eye disorder characterised by incomplete development of the iris, usually occurring in both eyes. Although etymologically speaking the term “aniridia” suggests that no iris is present, it actually means that part of the iris is not fully formed because of incomplete development. Prognosis It is quite difficult to

What is ankle arthrodesis? An ankle arthrodesis, also known as ankle fusion, is a surgical procedure to join together two bones in the ankle to take away pain. Why is ankle arthrodesis performed? Ankle arthrodesis is most commonly performed to treat severe and painful arthritis, a degenerative condition which affects your joints. For most patients, arthritis can be managed with conservati

What is an ankle arthroscopy?   An ankle arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery that enables the surgeon to view and operate on the joint without having to make a big incision. Small incisions, roughly about one centimetre big, are made.   An ankle arthroscopy is often done to clean the joint and remove any unwanted tissue, or it can be used for treating ost

What is ankle instability? Ankle instability is a condition that occurs when the ankle joint is unable to support the body’s weight, leading to a feeling of instability and a fear of rolling the ankle. What causes ankle instability? This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including ankle sprains, muscle weakness, and a tight Achilles tendon. What are the main sy

What is ankle replacement surgery? Ankle replacement surgery involves a total replacement of the ankle joint that connects the tibia (shin) to the talus (ankle bone). The natural joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint to restore foot mobility and reduce pain. The surgery is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon specialised in foot and ankle surgery. There is a wide range of p

What is ankle tendonitis?   Tendonitis involves an inflammation of the tendon. Ankle tendonitis, then, can simply be defined as an inflammation of the tendons of the ankle. Tendons attach the muscles to the bones in your body and help you to move, as well as acting as an important shock absorber.   Tendons can be injured in a number of ways. There are

What is ankylosing spondylitis? Ankylosing spondylitis is also known by the names spondylitis and rheumatoid spondylitis. It is an inflammatory joint disease of the spine and the sacroiliac, which is found at the junction of the pelvis to the spine. Sometimes, the condition can cause some of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) to fuse together, which can make the spine less f

What are anorectal malformations?   Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are a group of congenital defects that affect the structure and function of the anus and rectum. These malformations occur when the anus and rectum don’t develop properly during foetal growth. The severity and specific nature of anorectal malformations can vary widely, most often requiring surgical intervention.