Orthopedic Rehabilitation Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
osteolysis
Progressive bone destruction, often occurring around orthopedic implants due to wear particles.
Limb Length Discrepancy
A measurable difference in length between paired limbs, requiring compensation strategies and potential orthotic interve...
Load Progression Protocol
Systematic plan for gradually increasing mechanical stress on healing tissues during rehabilitation.
Malunion
A fracture that has healed in an anatomically incorrect position, potentially causing functional limitations or deformit...
Manual Muscle Testing
Standardized assessment of muscle strength using examiner resistance and specific grading scale.
Mechanical Axis Deviation
Abnormal alignment of the lower limb mechanical axis, affecting load distribution and requiring assessment in orthopedic...
mechanoreceptor
Sensory receptor that responds to mechanical stimuli such as pressure, vibration, and stretch.
Mechanosensitivity
Heightened sensitivity of neural tissues to mechanical stimuli, often indicating nerve irritation or inflammation.
Mechanotransduction
The process by which tissues convert mechanical stimuli into cellular responses that promote healing and adaptation.
neuromuscular re-education
Therapeutic techniques designed to restore normal movement patterns and motor control.
Neurovascular Compromise
Impairment of nerve or blood vessel function requiring immediate medical attention in orthopedic patients.
Open Kinetic Chain Exercise
Exercise where the distal segment of the limb moves freely without resistance from ground contact.
ORIF
Surgical procedure involving open reduction of fractures with internal fixation using hardware.
Orthotic Device Prescription
Custom or prefabricated supportive devices designed to improve function and protect healing tissues.
Osteochondral Defect
A localized injury involving both the articular cartilage and underlying subchondral bone, typically requiring specializ...
Osteochondritis Dissecans
A joint condition where a segment of cartilage and underlying bone separates from the joint surface.
osteolysis
Progressive bone destruction, often occurring around orthopedic implants due to wear particles.
Osteopenia
A condition of decreased bone mineral density that precedes osteoporosis but is less severe than the diagnostic threshol...
Osteoporotic Compression Fracture
A vertebral fracture resulting from bone density loss, typically occurring with minimal trauma in elderly patients.
Osteotomy
Surgical procedure involving the cutting and repositioning of bone to correct deformity or redistribute weight-bearing f...
Partial Weight-Bearing
Medical restriction allowing limited weight placement on affected limb, typically specified as percentage or pounds.
Patellofemoral Joint Reaction Force
The compressive force between the patella and femur during knee movement, influenced by quadriceps contraction and knee...
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
A condition characterized by anterior knee pain originating from the patellofemoral joint without specific structural pa...
Periosteal Reaction
Bone formation response visible on imaging that occurs when the periosteum is irritated or inflamed.
Periprosthetic Fracture
A fracture occurring around or near a prosthetic implant, commonly seen after joint replacement surgeries and requiring...