Medical dictionary

What is hand nerve repair surgery? Hand nerve repair surgery is a complex and delicate surgical procedure that aims to reconnect any torn or broken nerves in the hand. The nerves in our hands originate in our necks, travel over the shoulders and into our fingers. There are three main nerves that allow us to sense touch, feel pain and notice hot and cold temperatures, as well as stimulate m

What is hand surgery? Hand surgery may be performed for various reasons, including infection to the hand, injury to the hand, or to correct long-term conditions affecting the hand. Surgery may be done on different areas of the hand, and it can be advised to correct either the bones or soft tissues in the hand. Hand surgery is usually performed by either a general surgeon, an orthopaedic surg

What is wrist/hand tendonitis? Tendonitis is a common condition which happens when a tendon swells and becomes painful after an injury. Wrist and hand tendonitis affects the tendons around the wrist and hand joints, causing them to become inflamed and irritated. It usually affects one tendon in the wrist and hand, but it may involve more. Tendons connect muscles in the body to the bones, and

What is head and neck cancer? Head and neck cancer can refer to a number of different types of tumours in various parts of the head and neck, including the mouth, lips, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), salivary glands, nose, and sinuses. Cancer is a disease in which a group of cells in the body malfunction and multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass. This mass of abnormal cell growt

What is menopausal hormone therapy? Menopausal hormone therapy, and more specifically hormone replacement therapy, involves taking medication to replace oestrogen lost during the menopause. Menopausal hormone therapy is one of many types of hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement can also be offered to: men experiencing a loss in testosterone as part of the “ma

What is hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body. It is found as a cushioning agent, typically found in fluids around the eyes and in joints, and gives skin a fuller, more youthful look. Hyaluronic acid is used in medicine to treat joint disorders such as osteoarthritis and is usually taken either orally as a pill, or can be injected directly into the joint

  What is hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive sweating. Sweating, also referred to as perspiration, is a skin function that helps to maintain body temperature constant. However, uncontrolled, unpredictable, excessive sweating , i.e. hyperhidrosis, can adversely affect social and professional relationships. People with hyperhidrosis hav

What is hypospadias? Hypospadias is a relatively common congenital condition found in baby boys, in which the opening of the urethra is not found in its usual position at the end of the penis; instead it is located somewhere along the underside. The position of this opening (known as the urethral meatus) in hypospadias is most commonly at the junction of the head (glans) of the penis and the sh

What is an impacted tooth? A tooth is referred to as ‘impacted’ when it fails to fully erupt and remains fully or partially inside the gums. This may be due to a lack of space and result in the tooth becoming stuck or growing at the wrong angle. Most frequently, it’s the wisdom teeth that become impacted and these are the third group of molars which grow at the back of yo