abduction pillow: often used following hip replacement surgery; it is positioned between the patient’s legs for proper hip abduction (spreading) of both legs to prevent hip dislocation.

acetabulum: the cup-shaped socket of the hip joint and a feature of the pelvis; the head of the femur (thighbone) fits into the acetabulum forming a ball-and-socket joint.

acetaminophen: a drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain within the joint.

ACL tear: injury to the anterior cruciate ligament; often occurs when twisting the knee due to a quick change in direction, deceleration or jumping.

analgesic: a drug that relieves pain.

anesthesiologist: a physician who specializes in the practice of anesthesiology, a branch of medicine that specializes in the use of drugs or other agents that cause insensitivity to pain.

anterior cruciate ligament: also known as the ACL; attaches to the front of the tibia and back of the femur; responsible for stabilizing the knee.

anticoagulant: medication that is prescribed to prevent coagulation or blood from clotting.

arthritis: inflammation of the joint.

arthroscopy: use of an intra-articular camera inserted into the joint through a small incision to show the inside of a joint; the procedure allows physicians to also assess, repair and reconstruct various tissues both within and around the joint.

articular cartilage: cartilage that covers the ends of the bones; when healthy, it provides a frictionless and wear-resistant surface for joint movement.

articular cartilage injuries: injury to the articular cartilage; often occurs in the knee joint due to rapid deceleration or quick changes in direction.

aspirin: a drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation within the joint.

avascular necrosis: also called osteonecrosis; bone disease that results in temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone; when blood supply is cut off, the bone tissue dies and the bone can potentially collapse.

bone: living tissue that makes up the body’s skeleton.

bone density scan: nuclear imaging method used to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine cause of bone pain or inflammation.

bone graft: surgical procedure in which healthy bone is transplanted from another part of the patient’s body into the affected area.

cartilage: connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint.

chondroitin: nutritional supplement that may be used to improve the symptoms of pain and stiffness in some patients with osteoarthritis.

colonoscopy: an outpatient procedure that allows a physician to view the inside of the large intestine to detect abnormalities such as ulcers, growths, bleeding, and other conditions.

computer-assisted surgery: a new surgical tool used in orthopaedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in hip replacement and knee replacement surgeries.

condyle: rounded surface found at the end of the femur (thighbone); provides smooth movement of the knee joint.

congenital: present at birth.

continuous passive motion (CPM) machine: used on patients following knee replacement surgery, ligament reconstruction and fractures; assists in preventing stiffness to the joint by keeping the joint region stretched and warm; increases blood flow and elasticity; helps patients get their motion back faster.

corticosteroids: steroid medication that is directly injected into an inflamed, painful arthritic joint.

CT scan: computed tomography scan; also called CAT scan; diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images, both horizontally and vertically, of the body; a CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, fat and organs; CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

cystoscopy: an outpatient procedure that allows a physician to view the inside of your bladder and urethra to detect abnormalities such as stones, bleeding, infection, and other conditions.

deep vein thrombosis (DVT): occurs when a blood clot is formed in the large veins of the legs; in some cases a blood clot will become dislodged from the veins and travel to the lung where it can cause respiratory distress or respiratory failure; this is called pulmonary embolism.

dislocation: dislocation occurs when extreme force is put on a ligament causing two bone ends to separate; dislocation can also affect a joint, the point where two or more bones come together; for example, if the joint is created as a ball-and-socket joint, a dislocated joint causes the head of the bone (ball) to partially or completely come out of the socket.

femoral head: rounded ball at the end of the upper femur or thighbone; articulates or moves within the acetabulum or cup of the pelvis.

femoral neck: supports the femoral head and gives the femur leverage.

femur: also called the thighbone.

fibula: long, thin bone below the knee that is adjacent to the tibia (shinbone); it is the smaller of the two bones of the lower leg; attaches to the ankle joint and top of the tibia; has little function with the knee.

fracture: partial or complete break in the bone.

gait: pattern of walking.

glucosamine: nutritional supplement that may be used to improve the symptoms of pain and stiffness in some patients with osteoarthritis.

hamstrings: muscles found on the back side of the thigh; attach the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone) at the back of the knee.

hip: region on each side of the pelvis; it is made up of three sections: ilium, ischium and pubis; the upper part of the femur (thighbone) fits into the hip via a ball-and-socket joint; the socket is the cup-shaped bone of the pelvis called the acetabulum and the ball is the head of the femur.

hip replacement: also called total hip replacement; surgical procedure to remove and replace the arthritic or damaged hip joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis; hip replacement surgery may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.

hyaluronan: a prescribed fluid, that is similar to the synovial fluid that occurs naturally in the knee; it is injected into the knee to help decrease pain and increase the cushioning and lubrication of the synovial fluid in the knee that has become osteoarthritic.

ibuprofen: a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and swelling that occurs in the joints of the body.

incentive spirometer: small hand-held tool with a breathing tube and air chamber that is used to measure how well you are filling your lungs with each breath; used when recovering from surgery to help keep lungs active.

inflammation: the way the body reacts to injury; redness, warmth, swelling and pain usually occur.

intravenous: also called IV; a solution or medication is administered intravenously (through a vein).

joint: where ends of two or more bones meet.

joint fluid therapy: also called viscosupplementation; a series of treatments where hyaluronan is injected into the knee to help decrease pain and increase the cushioning and lubrication of synovial fluid that is osteoarthritic; hyaluronan is similar to the fluid that occurs naturally in the knee – synovial fluid – which helps to lubricate the knee, reducing friction and protecting from pain.

joint replacement: also called total joint replacement; surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis; joint replacement should be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.

ketoprofen: a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling and joint stiffness.

knee replacement: also called total knee replacement; surgical procedure to remove and replace the arthritic or damaged knee joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis; knee replacement surgery may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.

labral tear: tear of the labrum or ring of cartilage around the hip socket portion of a ball-and-socket joint.

labrum: a ring of cartilage found around the rim of the socket joint surface of the hip bone; helps provide cushion to the joint.

lateral collateral ligament: also known as LCL; ligament of the knee that is found on the outside of the joint; provides stability and limits sideways motion of the knee.

ligaments: white, shiny, flexible band of fibrous tissue that binds joints together and connects various bones and cartilage.

magnetic resonance imaging: also known as MRI; diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

medial collateral ligament: also known as MCL; ligament of the knee that is found on the inside of the joint; provides stability and limits sideways motion of the knee.

meniscal tear: injury to the menisci of the knee; usually occurs when rotating the upper leg while the foot remains still.

menisci: two horseshoe-shaped cartilage structures that sit between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) in the knee joint; acts to provide smooth movement in the knee; helps to distribute weight evenly in the knee and absorbs shock.

minimally invasive surgery: a new technique used to perform surgery on the joints; involves a smaller incision and therefore less cutting of normal tissues and muscles resulting in a smaller scar, less post-operative pain and a faster return to normal activities.

musculoskeletal system: complex system of the body that includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

naproxen: a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and swelling within the joint.

narcotic: strong pain reliever, prescribed by a physician, to help reduce pain associated with arthritis.

NSAID: abbreviation for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; does not contain corticosteroids and is used to decrease pain and inflammation; aspirin and ibuprofen are two types of NSAIDs.

occupational therapist: a licensed healthcare professional who evaluates patients with muscle and joint conditions, such as arthritis, to determine the level of impact the disease has on daily living and activities; can prescribe assistance devices than can help improve the quality of daily living activities for patients with conditions of the muscles and joints.

orthopaedic surgeon: also called an orthopaedist. A physician who diagnoses, treats, manages the rehabilitation process, and provides prevention protocols for patients who suffer from injury or disease in any of the components of the musculoskeletal system.

orthopaedic surgery: also called orthopaedics. A medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

osteoarthritis: also called the “wear and tear” arthritis. A common form of arthritis that is characterized by a breakdown in a joint’s cartilage; it is most commonly found in the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees and lower spine.

osteonecrosis: see avascular necrosis.

overuse conditions: injuries due to minor trauma involving soft tissue injuries. These are injuries that affect the bone, muscles, ligaments and/or tendons.

OXINIUM* Oxidized Zirconium: new material used in the production of components of knee and hip implants; a result of a process that allows oxygen to absorb into zirconium metal, which changes only the surface from a metal to ceramic; exhibits superior performance characteristics over commonly used cobalt chrome due to its hardness, smoothness, and resistance to scratching and abrasion; option for younger, active patients because it demonstrates low wear rates and may last longer than traditional cobalt chrome implants.

pain: unpleasant sensory or emotional experience primarily associated with tissue damage, or described in terms of tissue damage or both.

partial knee replacement: also called uni knee replacement; surgical procedure to remove and replace only the arthritic or damaged compartment of the knee and replace it with an artificial knee compartment, called a prosthesis; partial knee replacement should be considered only after other non-surgical treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.

patella: kneecap.

patella tendon: tendon of the knee that secures the patella (kneecap) over the knee; attaches to the patella and fibula.

patellofemoral pain: caused by abnormalities in how the patella (kneecap) slides over the lower end of the femur (thighbone); when this path is off the underside of the patella grates along the femur causing pain and inflammation.

patient controlled analgesia (PCA) device: a computerized delivery system for medication (often morphine) that is used to manage post-operative pain; when programmed, the PCA device delivers a controlled amount of medication into your IV whenever you push the button.

PCL tear: injury to the posterior cruciate ligament; often occurs when there is a bad fall on a bent knee.

pelvis: comprised of three separate bones called the ilium, ischium and pubis that fuse together to form the pelvis; protects the digestive and reproductive organs in the lower part of the body.

physical therapist: a person who has been certified by a state or accreditation body to develop and implement physical therapy programs.

physical therapy: a division of rehabilitation health that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities; physical therapists work with many patients who are in this type of a rehabilitative health program.

pneumatic device: a device that is often placed on the feet after hip replacement or knee replacement surgery that generates and utilizes compressed air to increase blood circulation.

pneumonia: inflammation of one or both lungs frequently caused by infection with bacteria, viruses or organisms; symptoms may include fever, chills, cough, chest pain and shortness of breath.

posterior cruciate ligament: also known as PCL; a knee ligament that originates at the bottom of the femur (thighbone) and crosses over the ACL; responsible for stabilizing the knee.

post-traumatic arthritis: a form of arthritis that may develop after an injury to a joint in which the bone and cartilage did not heal properly.

predisposition: tendency to develop a certain disease.

proctoscopy: an outpatient procedure that allows a physician to view the inside of the rectum and colon to detect abnormalities such as growths, bleeding, and other conditions.

pulmonary embolism: a blood clot that may become dislodged from the veins of the leg and travel to the lung where it can cause respiratory distress or respiratory failure.

quadriceps tendon: tendon that attaches the thigh muscle to the patella (kneecap); it is responsible for pulling the lower leg straight.

RICE: rest, ice, compression, exercise.

range of motion: how far you can move a joint; active range of motion is how far your joint can be moved by your own musculature; passive range of motion is how far your joint can be moved by an external force.

rheumatologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.

rheumatoid arthritis: a common form of arthritis where the synovial membranes that line the joints become inflamed; over time, the inflammation may destroy the joint tissue, potentially leading to disability.

soft tissue: ligaments, tendons and muscles in the musculoskeletal system.

sprain: partial or complete tear of a ligament.

strain: partial or complete tear of a muscle or tendon.

stress fracture: bone injury caused by overuse.

SUPARTZ^® Joint Fluid Therapy: a prescribed hyaluronan fluid, that is similar to the synovial fluid that occurs naturally in the knee; it is injected into the knee to help decrease pain and increase the cushioning and lubrication of the synovial fluid that has become osteoarthritic.

synovial fluid: clear, sticky fluid that is released by the synovial membrane; acts as a lubricant for joints and tendons.

synovial membrane: tissue that lines and seals the joint.

synovitis: inflammation of the synovial membrane, the tissue that protects and lines the joint.

synovium: fibrous envelope that produces a fluid to help decrease friction and wear in a joint.

TED hose: often worn after hip replacement or knee replacement surgery; designed to reduce blood clots in the leg; provides graduated compression to maintain proper blood flow from ankles to heart by compressing surface veins and pushing more blood into the deep veins.

tendon: tough cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone.

tibia: also called the shinbone.

total hip replacement: also called hip replacement; surgical procedure to remove and replace the arthritic or damaged hip joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis; hip replacement surgery may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.

total joint replacement: also called joint replacement; surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis; joint replacement should be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.

total knee replacement: also called knee replacement; surgical procedure to remove and replace the arthritic or damaged knee joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis; knee replacement surgery may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.

uni knee replacement: also called partial knee replacement; surgical procedure to remove and replace only the arthritic or damaged compartment of the knee and replace it with an artificial knee compartment, called a prosthesis; partial knee replacement should be considered only after other non-surgical treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain or disability.

ureter: small tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

viscosupplementation: also called joint fluid therapy; a series of treatments where hyaluronan is injected into the knee to help decrease pain and increase the cushioning and lubrication of synovial fluid that is osteoarthritic; hyaluronan is similar to the fluid that occurs naturally in the knee – synovial fluid – which helps to lubricate the knee, reducing friction and protecting from pain.

X-ray: diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film.