Orthopedics: The science of keeping your body moving pain-free. - BeDict Trending

Ever wonder what "orthopedics" is all about? It's the medical field dedicated to your bones, joints, and muscles! From a sprained ankle to a sore back, orthopedic specialists help us stay active, mobile, and healthy. Let's learn a few key terms so you can have a better conversation about your musculoskeletal health.

musculoskeletal

musculoskeletaladjective

/ˌmʌskjəloʊˈskelɪtəl/ /ˌmʌskjuloʊˈskelɪtəl/

Of, or relating to both muscles and the skeleton

Examples:

"Regular exercise is important for maintaining good musculoskeletal health. "

tendon

/ˈtɛndən/

A tough band of inelastic fibrous tissue that connects a muscle with its bony attachment.

Examples:

"The athlete stretched his tendon carefully before the basketball game. "

cartilage

/ˈkɑːtɪlɪd͡ʒ/ /ˈkɑɹtəlɪd͡ʒ/

A type of dense, non-vascular connective tissue, usually found at the end of joints, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, in the throat and between intervertebral disks.

Examples:

"The child's nose was a bit crooked because the cartilage was not fully developed. "

prosthesis

/prɒsˈθiːsɪs/ /prɑːsˈθiːsɪs/

An artificial replacement for a body part, either internal or external.

Examples:

"After the accident, she needed a leg prosthesis so she could walk again. "

degenerative

degenerativeadjective

/dɪˈdʒɛn(ə)ɹətɪv/

Characterized by or causing degeneration.

Examples:

"The doctor said the arthritis was a degenerative condition, meaning it would get worse over time. "

traction

/ˈtɹæk.ʃən/

A mechanically applied sustained pull, especially to a limb.

Examples:

"The physical therapist applied traction to the patient's injured arm to help stretch the muscles. "

$fracture$

/ˈfɹæk.tjə/

A break in bone or cartilage.

Examples:

"The athlete suffered a fracture in his arm during practice. "

sprain

/spɹeɪn/

The act or result of spraining; lameness caused by spraining

Examples:

"a bad sprain of the wrist"

gait

gaitnoun

/ɡeɪt/

Manner of walking or stepping; bearing or carriage while moving.

Examples:

"The old woman had a slow, deliberate gait, carefully placing each foot on the ground. "