Medical dictionary

What is jaundice?   Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a disorder that causes the skin and white parts of the eyes to turn a yellowish colour. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of something happening. Jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin, a yellow compound which is formed by red blood cells breaking down in the body.

What are joint injections? Joint injections are administered in a joint or periarticular soft tissue that is affected by inflammation. Injections – when prescribed correctly – can be an excellent solution for problems such as bursitis or tendonitis, or for physical discomforts that prevent daily activities from being carried out. Therefore, joint injections can provide relief, as

Joint mobilisation is a manual therapy technique widely utilised by physiotherapists and osteopaths to address various musculoskeletal conditions. It involves skilled and precise passive movements applied to joints to restore normal joint function, alleviate pain, and enhance range of motion. Conditions benefitting from joint mobilisation: Joint mobilisation serves as an effective inter

What is a joint replacement? Joint replacement refers to one of a number of surgical procedures in which damaged or diseased parts of a joint are removed and artificial replacements are fitted. Joint replacement surgery can be performed on a number of joints in the body, most commonly the hip and knee, but joints in the shoulders, elbows, fingers, and ankles can also be replaced. Why wou

What is J-pouch surgery? J-pouch surgery, also known as ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), is a procedure that is used to restore functionality to a patient’s digestive system by removing the large intestine and creating an alternative path for waste to pass from the small intestine to the anus. The procedure is used to assist in treating conditions such as ulcerative colitis, a

What is juvenile arthritis? Juvenile arthritis, otherwise known as paediatric rheumatic disease, is a term used to describe a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that can develop in children. The tissue on the inside of the joints (synovium tissue) can become inflamed due to a fault with the autoimmune system, which usually protects the body, where the immune system attacks the synov

What is karyotyping? Karyotyping is a process used by doctors to examine your set of chromosomes. A karyotype is a photograph of your chromosomes that can be used to assess the chromosomes of an individual and can then be used to check if any abnormalities or structural problems. If there are, it can indicate a genetic disorder, such as Turner syndrome or Down's syndrome. Sometimes babi

What is Kawasaki disease? Kawasaki disease is a rare childhood condition mainly affecting children under the age of five. It causes inflammation in the walls of the blood vessels, which leads to a number of symptoms, including a rash, swelling, fever, and swelling and inflammation of the mouth and tongue (which is dubbed a “strawberry tongue” due to the red, swollen appearance).

 What are keloid scars?Keloid scars are formed during the healing of a wound. In the process, too much scar tissue is formed, resulting in abnormal growth, which is usually large, lumpy and red in appearance. The keloids that develop can sometimes be bigger than the actual wound ever was.  Can keloid scars be treated?Treating keloid scars can be quite difficult. Surgery can be