Orthopedic Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
Sagittal Balance
The alignment of the spine in the side-view plane, crucial for proper spinal biomechanics.
acetabular dysplasia
Developmental abnormality of the hip socket resulting in inadequate coverage of the femoral head.
anteromedial impingement
Abnormal contact between the anterolateral talus and tibial plafond in ankle dorsiflexion.
arthrodesis
Surgical fusion of a joint to eliminate motion and provide stability, typically for pain relief.
arthroplasty
Surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint, typically involving prosthetic components.
arthroscopy
Minimally invasive surgical procedure using a small camera to examine and treat joint problems.
avascular necrosis
Death of bone tissue due to interrupted blood supply, leading to bone collapse and joint dysfunction.
Bankart Lesion
A tear of the anterior-inferior glenoid labrum, typically associated with anterior shoulder dislocation.
Bearing Surface
The articulating interface between prosthetic components in joint replacement surgery.
biomechanical axis
The line of force transmission through a joint or limb during weight-bearing or movement.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein
Naturally occurring growth factors that stimulate bone and cartilage formation.
Boutonnière Deformity
A finger deformity characterized by flexion at the PIP joint and hyperextension at the DIP joint.
callus formation
The process of new bone and cartilage development during fracture healing.
Cement Mantle
The layer of bone cement surrounding a prosthetic implant in cemented joint replacement.
Charcot Joint
A rapidly destructive joint arthropathy associated with loss of sensation, typically seen in diabetic neuropathy.
chondromalacia
Softening and deterioration of cartilage, commonly affecting the undersurface of the patella.
Colles fracture
Distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation and displacement, typically from a fall on outstretched hand.
compartment syndrome
Surgical emergency caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, compromising circulation and tissue viabili...
coxa vara
Hip deformity characterized by decreased neck-shaft angle of the femur.
crepitus
Grinding or crackling sensation felt during joint movement or palpation.
CRIF
Closed reduction and internal fixation - surgical technique for fracture repair without open incision.
CRPS
Complex regional pain syndrome, a chronic pain condition typically affecting an extremity after injury or surgery.
debridement
Surgical removal of damaged, infected, or dead tissue to promote healing and prevent infection spread.
DRUJ
Distal radioulnar joint; the articulation between the radius and ulna near the wrist.
enchondroma
Benign cartilaginous tumor occurring within the medullary cavity of bones.