Medical dictionary

What is a supraspinatus tendon tear? A supraspinatus tendon tear is a tear or rupture of the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle, which is located at the back of the shoulder. It is one of the most frequently damaged tendons. It usually develops alongside other rotator cuff muscle tears, which may be the result of trauma or repeated micro-trauma. The tear may be a partial or full thickness tear.

What is a surface prosthesis? A surface prosthesis is an alternative procedure to a total hip or total knee replacement, which is more suitable for patients under 65. Surface prostheses preserve a larger amount of the bone and usually last longer than their conventional alternative. The surface prosthesis refers to an artificial replacement of a portion of the b

What is a Tarlov cyst? Tarlov cysts (also known as perineural cysts) are fluid-filled sacs that form at the nerve root, usually in the sacral level of the spine (at the bottom of the spine). It’s possible to be affected by several cysts of different sizes at one time. People can unknowingly have Tarlov cyst(s). Spinal nerve roots are connected to the spinal sac - with spinal flui

What is tendinopathy?   Tendinopathy is an umbrella term for diseases of the tendons. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that hold muscles to bone, and in order to do their job, they must be strong and flexible. Despite this, they can be injured due to overuse.   Tendinopathy broadly refers to three varieties of tendon injury, and is often confused with, or used synonymously

What are tendon injuries?Tendon injuries, also known as tendinopathies, happen when there is an overload that causes small fibres to tear. When the affected muscles or joints are put under pressure, it causes tendon inflammation which reduces blood flow and can lead to nerve compression. When there is a mild inflammation it is referred to as tendonitis. It is called tendinosis if there is tendon

What is tendonitis?Tendonitis (also called tendinitis) refers to inflammation of a tendon. It is one of the major sub-types of tendinopathy (tendon disease), along with tendinosis and paratenonitis.Tendons are thick, fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bones. They are tough, yet flexible, and have evolved to withstand tension. However, they can become injured or strained due to overuse,

What is thumb arthritis? Thumb arthritis is a very common condition that is characterised by the degeneration of the joint at the base of the thumb. What are the causes of thumb arthritis, and what symptoms can develop? Thumb arthritis typically develops gradually over time, often as a result of wear and tear on the joint due to repetitive movements, ageing, or previous injuries. As t

When is thumb joint replacement surgery indicated? Thumb joint replacement surgery, also known as thumb arthroplasty, becomes necessary when the thumb joint deteriorates due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. These conditions cause limited mobility, pain and stiffness in the thumb joint, impacting daily activities like gripping and pinching.   What does th

What is toe pain? Toe pain is a common symptom due to the fact that our feet are used for movement, including high-impact activities such as walking, running, and jumping. This makes them particularly at risk of injury. There are many other conditions that can affect the various structures of the toe, including the skin, soft tissue, nerves, bones, and blood vessels. What are the causes of t