Medical dictionary

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 rib?   A fractured rib is when one or more of the bones that form part of the rib cage break or crack. Sometimes, the fracture can be really evident while other times, it is more subtle. After a serious trauma, patients can also develop a condition called flail chest. In this situation, there is a paradoxical movement of the rib cage that is in the opp

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 being analysed? Free Light Chains (FLCs) are proteins produced by plasma cells in the body. They consist of two types: kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) chains. Analysis involves measuring the levels of these FLCs in the blood. What does the result mean? The result indicates the concentration of free light chains in the blood. Elevated levels may suggest conditions such

Free thyroxine (free T4) is a vital component of thyroid function tests, offering insights into thyroid health and hormone levels. Here's a structured guide to understanding free T4: What is being analysed? The free T4 test measures the levels of thyroxine, an essential thyroid hormone, that is not bound to proteins in the blood. It provides insights into thyroid function and horm

What is a frozen embryo transfer (FET)? A frozen embryo transfer involves thawing and then transferring one or more embryos into a woman's uterus through the cervix using catheter. This technique is painless and does not require any type of anaesthesia or sedation and the patient can be accompanied throughout the entire process by a partner.     Why is it done?

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 being analysed? Fructosamine, a compound formed when glucose combines with proteins, is the focus of this analysis. It serves as an indicator of average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 weeks. What does the result mean? The results provide valuable insights into a patient's mid-term glucose control. Higher fructosamine levels may indicate poorly managed diabetes, whi

What is FTM top surgery? FTM top surgery, or FTM (female to male) top surgery - also known as masculinising chest surgery or, solely, top surgery - is a surgical procedure called subcutaneous mastectomy. What's involved in FTM top surgery? FTM top surgery removes breast tissue to create a more masculine-appearing chest.  There are di