Medical dictionary

What is foot arthrodesis? Foot arthrodesis (foot fusion surgerry) is a surgical technique consisting of the artificial fusion of bones forming the joint, which become immobile after the surgery. Foot arthrodesis surgery is performed under local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Why is foot arthrodesis done? The goal of the intervention is to relieve pain or to reduce any deformi

What is foot fracture (broken foot)?   A foot fracture is a break in any of the bones of the foot (tarsus, metatarsals and phalanges). The injury occurs by direct trauma or excessive load on the bone. The seriousness of a broken foot can vary. Fractures can range from tiny cracks in your bones to a break that pierces through your skin.       What are the sym

What is a fracture? A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. There are many different kinds of fracture; the type often depends on the severity of the cause. The break may be total or partial. If the force of the trauma only slightly exceeded the breaking point, the bone may merely crack. However, in the case of extreme force, such as in a road traffic accident, the bone may be shat

What is a fractured ankle (broken ankle)?   A fractured ankle is a break in one of the three ankle bones (tibia, fibula and talus). These fractures may be partial (partially cracked bone), complete (perforated in two parts and bone), or may occur on one or both sides of the ankle. The injury may be caused by a fall or trauma.     What causes a broken ankle? &nb

What is a fractured elbow?An elbow fracture is when there is a break in one or more of the three bones that make up the elbow joint. It normally happens after an injury, like a blow to the elbow, a fall, or a twist. The fracture may also be sprained, strained, or dislocated. Fractures can be: Bone fissure: it is a clean break, but there could be complicationsDisplaced: where two ends of

What is a fractured humerus? The humerus is the longest bone in the arm. It is articulated with the scapula by the shoulder, the ulna, and the radius in the elbow joint. The most common injury of this bone is a humerus fracture. This mainly affects the elderly and young people. Humerus fractures can be classified by the area affected: the upper, centre, or lower section.   What is t

What is a fractured (broken) shoulder? A shoulder fracture is a break or a crack in one of the three following bones; the clavicle, scapula or the proximal humerus. In the latter case, it would be called a broken shoulder. The humerus can be broken in many places and the fracture is normally described by its location. Shoulder fractures often result from a sudden force applied on the arm, su

What is meant by the medical term 'frozen shoulder'? A frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder and hence, a loss of mobility. The shoulder joint capsule has ligaments that hold the shoulder bones together, and when this capsule becomes inflamed, the bones are not able to move freely in the joint, causing a stiffened, frozen shoulder.

What is a ganglion cyst? A ganglion cyst is a benign but painful growth, usually on the hand or wrist. The pain often comes on at night, or after constant use of the hand. Ganglion cysts can vary in size, growing up to three centimetres wide. While the position of the cyst doesn’t tend to change, the size may fluctuate over time, and some go away entirely without treatment. Can