Medical dictionary

What is the posterior cruciate ligament? The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a ligament in the knee that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), but is bigger and stronger, however, it can be torn through injury, although injuries to the ACL are much more common. What are the symptoms of a posterior cruciate li

What are posterior urethral valves (PUV)? Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are a congenital condition of the urethra (the tube that leads urine from the bladder out of the body) that only occurs in boys. Patients are born with the condition and are almost always diagnosed and treated as children, with some cases being diagnosed while the baby is still in the mother’s womb.

What is postmenopausal bleeding? Menopause is a natural biological process, that marks the cessation of menstruation and of a woman's reproductive years. Menopause is reached when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months, it usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, however this varies from person to person. Postmenopausal bleeding refers to any vaginal blee

What is postnasal drip? Mucus is produced by glands found in the throat, nose, and airways. When these glands produce excess mucus, it drips down the back of the throat. This build-up of mucus can become thick and cause discomfort, a condition known as postnasal drip. Postnasal drip is a very common occurrence and affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. What causes postnasa

What is postoperative pain? Postoperative pain is an anticipated and temporary pain that occurs following grafting procedures or burn excision and is most commonly the result of increased pain from newly created wounds.   How long does postoperative pain last for? The pain depends on the surgical procedure that is done. Usually, the pain improves over time. For less complicate

What is meant by postoperative recovery? Postoperative recovery is the period of time following a surgical procedure during which the patient's body heals and returns to its normal state. The length of this period can vary depending on the type of surgery, the patient's overall health, and other factors. During this time, it is important for patients to follow their doctor's instruc

What is postpartum depression?   Postpartum depression is a feeling of sadness, melancholy, unhappiness, or depression that a woman can undergo after giving birth and can last up to one year after childbirth. The most likely cause seems to be the hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy, as well as imbalances that can affect the mood of the mother.   The sy

What is postpartum osteopathy? Postpartum osteopathy is osteopathic treatment focused on attending to the needs of a woman following the birth of her child. Osteopathy is a form of alternative medicine where an osteopath detects, treats and prevents health problems by stretching and massaging the patient’s muscles, joints and connective tissues. The techniques and non-invasive treatmen

What is post-polio syndrome? Post-polio syndrome is a rare neurological condition which can affect people who have been affected by polio in the past. It involves symptoms of polio returning years or even decades (10 – 40 years) after the original polio infection. Because polio was wiped out in the UK in the 1980s, post-polio syndrome only affects older adults who contracted polio earl