Medical Anatomy and Surgical Complications

A condition caused by fluid buildup in the lungs, often seen after aortic aneurysm repair. Symptoms include increased respiratory effort, elevated pulmonary wedge pressure, distended neck veins, low blood pressure, and bilateral lung opacities on X-ray.

A type of blood cell that increases in number after a splenectomy. They are usually seen as a normal part of the blood, but their increase after removing the spleen suggests the spleen was filtering them out.

A surgical procedure to relieve pressure in the compartments of the lower leg. This is typically done for compartment syndrome, a serious condition where pressure builds up within the muscles.

A scoring system used to assess the level of consciousness. A score of 13 indicates that the patient opens their eyes spontaneously, obeys commands, but shows confusion.

An injury to the skin flap over the shinbone (tibia). Since the skin flap is unable to be closed, the best management is to bring the wound edges together without tension and cover the remaining area with a skin graft.

A type of protein that accumulates abnormally in tissues. It stains a characteristic apple-green color when viewed under polarized light after staining with Congo red.

A type of local anesthetic used for Bier's block. This type of block involves injecting the anesthetic into a vein in the arm, causing temporary numbness in the hand.

A common intestinal parasite that causes pruritus ani (itching around the anus) in children. The diagnosis is confirmed by finding eggs on a tape swab.

A sprain or tear of the ligament on the inside of the knee, usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee.

Injury to the Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) tendon, responsible for extending the thumb. This leads to the inability to lift the thumb off the table and extend the thumb joint (IPJ).

The external spermatic fascia is a continuation of the external oblique fascia. This fascia surrounds the spermatic cord as it travels through the inguinal canal.

Ludwig's angina is a serious infection of the floor of the mouth. It involves three compartments: the submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces. This infection can quickly spread and cause airway obstruction.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can develop after an injury, like a midtarsal dislocation. It causes pain, stiffness, and decreased joint function.

A posterior hip dislocation occurs when the femur is dislocated backward. It causes the leg to shorten and rotate inwards. The injury often damages the sciatic nerve, leading to a loss of motor function and sensation in the leg.

Gastric dumping syndrome is a condition that can occur after certain surgeries, like gastric bypass or gastric banding. Symptoms include rapid emptying of the stomach, sweating, dizziness, nausea, and hypoglycemia.

Osteoporosis is a condition where bone density decreases. This is due to the increased activity of osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells) and a decrease in bone formation by osteoblasts, leading to weaker bones.

A type of lung function test that shows a restrictive pattern when the FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) is less than 80% of the predicted value and the FVC (forced vital capacity) is also reduced.

A type of cancer that arises from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland and is often associated with a family history of the disease.

A type of hernia that occurs when the pleuroperitoneal membrane doesn't fully close, allowing abdominal organs to protrude into the chest cavity.

A nerve that can be affected by a tumor located at the cerebellopontine angle, leading to sensorineural hearing loss.

A type of audit that assesses the performance of a system or process within an organization, such as the time taken for a hospital to send discharge summaries to GPs.

A type of joint that allows movement in two planes, like the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb, allowing opposition.

The initial hormone released in response to a drop in blood pressure, activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

A condition characterized by a decrease in the activity of the carotid sinus, leading to bradycardia (slow heart rate).

Renal papillary necrosis occurs when the tips of the renal papillae die, often due to poor blood flow or chronic infections. This results in sloughing of the affected areas, which can be seen in the urine.

A split-thickness skin graft involves taking a layer of skin from a donor area, which includes the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. This type of graft is often used for burns and is able to heal quicker than a full-thickness graft.

Bisphosphonates are drugs that inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone, which can lead to a decrease in calcium levels in the blood.

Trypsin is a proteolytic enzyme produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in digesting proteins. In acute pancreatitis, trypsin can become activated within the pancreas itself, leading to autodigestion.

The head of the pancreas is supplied by the gastroduodenal artery, a branch of the common hepatic artery, which arises from the celiac trunk. A tortuous aneurysm is a bulging, weak area in a winding vessel.

A pseudocyst is a fluid-filled collection outside the pancreas, formed as a result of inflammation and tissue breakdown. It does not have a true lining, as opposed to an abscess which has a more defined wall.

A type of breast tumor that is benign and composed of fibrous and glandular tissue. Often feel like a firm, rubbery lump.

A general term for any cancer that is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.

A type of lung cancer characterized by the formation of keratin pearls and palisading cells. More likely to be related to smoking.

A condition where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly, leading to difficulty swallowing and food getting stuck in the esophagus.

A condition characterized by a narrowing of the urethra, often caused by scar tissue formation. Results in difficulty with urination.

A condition that results from the rupture of the esophagus, often caused by forceful vomiting or retching. This is a serious medical emergency.

A condition where the lining of the stomach protrudes through a weakened area in the diaphragm. This can lead to heartburn and other digestive problems.

A condition where there is excessive pain despite adequate pain relief, suggesting something more serious than just pain.

Pain experienced when a limb is passively stretched, indicating potential muscle damage or inflammation.

Absence of the dorsalis pedis pulse, a key indicator of potential blood flow problems in the lower leg.

Elevated pressure within the compartments of a limb, damaging muscles and nerves. It's a medical emergency.

A tingling or prickling sensation, often a symptom of nerve damage or compression.

A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction causing low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and skin rash.

A condition where the mitral valve leaflets move upwards during the contraction of the heart, often caused by a blood clot in the brachial artery.

A condition where blood flow to the brain is reversed, often caused by a blockage in the subclavian artery, resulting in symptoms like dizziness and weakness.

The tendon responsible for flexing the DIP joint of the index finger, its injury leads to difficulty flexing the fingertip.

A condition characterized by weakness and numbness in the hand, and the 4th and 5th digits are less affected, suggesting damage to the ulnar nerve at the elbow.

A type of distribution where the mean value is less than the median value, suggesting a skew towards the left side of the distribution.

A nerve injury that can lead to facial paralysis and hearing difficulties.

A muscle in the face, responsible for raising the eyebrows.

The most definitive investigation for severe renal disease affecting blood flow to the foot.

A non-cancerous tumor that originates from the vestibulocochlear nerve, causing hearing loss and balance problems.