Medical dictionary

What is wrist denervation? Surgical denervation of the wrist is a useful palliative procedure for chronic wrist pain when reconstructive procedures are not feasible or desirable. Wrist denervation aims to stop nerves that are transmitting pain such as the anterior and posterior interosseous nerves (near the wrist joint) and the articular branches of the superficial radial nerve. The procedur

What is a wrist fracture?A broken wrist or wrist fracture is when one or more of the bones in the wrist is cracked or broken. The most common type of wrist fracture is called a Colles’ fracture (or distal radius fracture). This type of break is a break in the larger of the two bones in the forearm. The bone usually breaks at the end where it connects with the hand and thumb. Wrist fractures occur

What is wrist surgery? There are many types of surgical procedures that can be performed on the wrist, depending on the injury or condition being treated. These include both open and minimally invasive surgery on the bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in the wrist. As is often the case, surgery is usually only recommended by your doctor in serious situations, or when more conservative treatm

What are xanthelasma? Xanthelasma are yellow/orange deposits of cholesterol that slowly develop underneath the skin, most commonly directly on the eyelid or in the eyelid area. They appear as raised bumps on the surface of the skin. What can happen if xanthelasma isn't treated? Xanthelasma are not painful but can lead to disfigurement. They can be left alone but typically, pe

What is the XEN® implant? The XEN® implant, also known as the XEN® gel stent, is designed to lower pressure in the eyes in those with open-angle glaucoma. The implant is particularly recommended in those who have had previous surgical treatments which have failed. Why is it done? The XEN® system is used to treat refractory glaucoma. It can be used even when previous su

What is Xiapex®? Xiapex® is a treatment for adults suffering from Dupuytren’s contracture, which is when connective tissue in the palm of the hand stiffens and causes one or more fingers to bend inwards, towards the wrist. Xiapex® is injected directly into the tissue (cord) in the palm to dissolve it so a doctor can manually straighten it. What does Xiapex® treatmen

What is being analysed? The xylose absorption test is a diagnostic examination used to evaluate the body's ability to absorb xylose, a type of sugar, in the small intestine. When is it requested? The xylose absorption test is requested when there is suspicion of malabsorption syndromes or disorders affecting the small intestine's absorptive capacity. Why conduct the analysi

What is a YAG laser capsulotomy? YAG laser capsulotomy is a laser procedure that is performed after cataract surgery in order to improve your vision. The special laser treatment is very common and safe. Why is YAG laser capsulotomy necessary? When the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, it is to be removed during cataract surgery and replaced by a new plastic lens. T

What is a YAG laser peripheral iridotomy? A YAG laser peripheral iridotomy is a laser eye procedure whereby a very tiny hole (opening) is made in the iris (the coloured part of the eye) with a special type of laser. This hole is called “iridotomy”. The hole is not normally visible with the naked eye, as the surgeons performing the YAG laser peripheral iridotomy usually aim to p