Medical dictionary

What is a rotator cuff injury? Rotator cuff injuries include inflammation, or partial or complete damage of the tendons of the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that converge and surround the front, back, and top of the head of the humerus. These tendons are individually connected to very important muscles that cover the shoulder blade (scapula). When these muscles contract,

What is rotator cuff surgery? The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that keeps the upper arm bone (humerus) in the socket of the shoulder blade. Sometimes, the rotator cuff can be torn, which can cause pain, limited motion, and weakness. If the tear is particularly bad or non-surgical methods have failed to repair the rotator cuff, then surgery will be recommended. Rotator

What is sarcoma? Sarcoma is a unique form of cancer that originates in the body's connective tissues, encompassing a wide array of crucial components such as fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones, muscles, deep skin tissues, and even cartilage. While it predominantly affects the limbs, including both the upper and lower extremities, it's important to recognise that sarcoma's reach exten

What is the scaphoid bone?   The scaphoid bone is one of the carpal bones in the hand. It is in the thumb area and is the first bone of the first row of the carpus. The scaphoid is one of the bones that is injured the most.     What is its function?   The carpal bones are a unit that provide bony structure to the hand. Along with the lunate, it articula

What is sciatica?Sciatica is a very painful condition that can last for several days. It occurs due to the irritation of the sciatic nerve, which can occur as a result of inflammation or injury. Sciatica is not a disease itself, but is a symptom of another health problem. It usually causes a radiating pain that extends from the back to the leg, even reaching the feet. The muscles around

What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine that most commonly occurs in children aged 10 to 15, before puberty, however, sometimes babies can be born with the condition. Scoliosis can be mild, and may not require treatment, however, some cases can get worse with age and growth, causing spinal deformities that in some cases can be disabling. Children who develop scoliosis

What is shockwave therapy? Shockwaves are high-powered sound waves that can be used to treat injured or painful tissues. Correctly applied, they have a therapeutic effect. Such treatments are primarily used for the treatment of conditions within orthopaedic and rehabilitative medicine.   What does shockwave therapy treat? Although shockwaves have multiple therapeutic benefits,

What is the shoulder? The shoulder is the part that serves as the link between the arm and the body. It is formed by the union of the ends of three bones: the clavicle, the scapula (shoulder blade) and the humerus, as well as muscles, ligaments and tendons. The main shoulder joint connects the head of the humerus and the scapula, or shoulder blade, and is called the scapulohumeral joint. It

What is shoulder arthroscopy?   Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows access to and treatment of many injuries and diseases of the various structures that make up the shoulder joint. The joint is accessed through two or three small incisions of less than one centimetre.   Arthroscopy has become the technique of choice for shoulder pathologies, ena