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Orthopedic Surgery Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

Sagittal Balance

Advanced Technical IVT

The alignment of the spine in the side-view plane, crucial for proper spinal biomechanics.

Showing 73–96 of 100

radiocapitellar joint

Professional Technical IVT

The articulation between the radial head and the capitellum of the humerus in the elbow.

Technical Term Full entry →

Radiographic Union Scale

Professional Technical IVT

A standardized scoring system for assessing fracture healing progress on radiographs.

Style Convention Full entry →

radiolucent line

Intermediate Technical IVT

Dark line on radiographs indicating areas where X-rays pass through more easily, often suggesting loosening around impla...

Technical Term Full entry →

reduction maneuver

Intermediate Technical IVT

A specific technique used to restore normal anatomical alignment of displaced bones or joints.

Technical Term Full entry →

Retrograde Nailing

Professional Technical IVT

An intramedullary fixation technique where the nail is inserted from the distal end of a long bone.

Technical Term Full entry →

Rotator Cuff Tear

Intermediate Technical IVT

A tear in one or more of the four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint.

Technical Term Full entry →

Sagittal Balance

Advanced Technical IVT

The alignment of the spine in the side-view plane, crucial for proper spinal biomechanics.

Technical Term Full entry →

Salter-Harris Classification

Intermediate Technical IVT

A system for classifying pediatric growth plate fractures into five types based on fracture pattern.

Technical Term Full entry →

Scaphoid Nonunion

Professional Technical IVT

Failure of a scaphoid fracture to heal, typically after 3-6 months without radiographic union.

Technical Term Full entry →

scapholunate dissociation

Advanced Technical IVT

A wrist injury involving disruption of the ligamentous connection between the scaphoid and lunate bones, leading to carp...

Technical Term Full entry →

scapular winging

Intermediate Technical IVT

Abnormal protrusion of the scapula from the chest wall due to weakness or paralysis of stabilizing muscles.

Technical Term Full entry →

sclerotic rim

Intermediate Technical IVT

A border of dense, hardened bone tissue visible on radiographic imaging.

Technical Term Full entry →

Screw Pullout

Intermediate Technical IVT

Mechanical failure where a screw loses purchase and withdraws from bone tissue.

Technical Term Full entry →

SLAC wrist

Professional Technical IVT

Progressive degenerative arthritis pattern following scapholunate ligament injury.

Technical Term Full entry →

SLAP tear

Intermediate Technical IVT

Superior labrum anterior to posterior tear, an injury to the cartilaginous ring around the shoulder socket.

Technical Term Full entry →

Spinal Instrumentation

Intermediate Technical IVT

Surgical hardware used to stabilize, correct, or fuse segments of the spine.

Technical Term Full entry →

Spondylolisthesis

Advanced Technical IVT

A spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it.

Technical Term Full entry →

Stress Fracture

Intermediate Technical IVT

A small crack in bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, typically occurring in weight-bearing bones.

Technical Term Full entry →

Stress Shielding

Advanced Technical IVT

Bone resorption that occurs when rigid implants carry load instead of surrounding bone tissue.

Technical Term Full entry →

subluxation

Intermediate Technical IVT

Partial dislocation of a joint where bone surfaces remain in partial contact but are not properly aligned.

Technical Term Full entry →

Surgical Approach

Intermediate Technical IVT

The specific anatomical pathway and tissue planes used to access a surgical site.

Technical Term Full entry →

TFCC

Advanced Technical IVT

The triangular fibrocartilage complex, a structure providing stability to the distal radioulnar joint.

Abbreviation Full entry →

tibial tubercle

Intermediate Technical IVT

The bony prominence on the anterior tibia where the patellar tendon attaches.

Technical Term Full entry →

Trendelenburg Sign

Intermediate Technical IVT

A physical examination finding indicating hip abductor weakness, where the pelvis drops on the unaffected side during si...

Technical Term Full entry →
Showing 73–96 of 100

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