Medical Terminology: Joints

Medical Terminology for Joints

• arthr/o: Refers to joints.
• spondyl/o: Relates to the spine or vertebra.
• ankyl/o: Indicates stiffness.
• scoli/o: Denotes bent.
• articulation: The point where two bones connect.

Joint Types

• synarthrodial joints: Immovable, such as sutures in the skull.
• amphiarthrodial joints: Slightly movable, allowing limited motion.
• diarthrodial (synovial) joints: Freely movable joints with a joint cavity.

Synovial Joints

• Characterized by a joint cavity lined with synovial membrane and filled with synovial fluid.
• Held together by ligaments, with bones cushioned by articular cartilage.
• Associated with bursae that protect underlying bones from friction caused by ligaments during movement.

Joint Movements

• flexion: Bending the arm.
• extension: Straightening the arm.
• abduction: Moving the arm away from the body.
• adduction: Bringing the arm back to the side.
• rotation: Twisting the ankle.
• supination: Turning the hands upward.
• pronation: Turning the hands downward.
• dorsiflexion: Flexing the foot.
• plantar flexion: Pointing the toes.
• circumduction: Creating a circular motion with the arm.

Joint-Related Conditions

• arthralgia: General term for joint pain.
• arthritis: Inflammation of the joints; includes various disorders affecting millions.
  • ankylosing spondylitis: A form of arthritis affecting the vertebrae with symptoms like pain, malaise, kyphosis, and loss of height. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy.
  • osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis, degenerative in nature, mainly affecting weight-bearing joints such as hips and knees. Symptoms include stiffness, pain, and decreased range of motion (ROM); treatment involves medications, physical therapy, and possibly surgery.
  • rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disease predominantly affecting non-weight-bearing joints, most commonly seen in women aged 20-40. Symptoms include joint swelling, pain, and stiffness, which may lead to deformity. Treatment options include NSAIDs, rest, and physical therapy, with potential joint replacement.
  • gout: An acute form of arthritis primarily affecting the first metatarsal joint of the great toe, related to poor uric acid metabolism. Treatment consists of rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and dietary changes.
  • bunion: Abnormal swelling at the base of the great toe due to genetics or ill-fitting shoes, presenting with pain and swelling. Treatment includes preventive measures, orthotics, and possible bunionectomy.

Joint Issues

• contracture: A condition where the joint is fixed in a flexed position, leading to muscle shortening and atrophy.
• dislocation: Displacement of a synovial joint, resulting in loss of function.
• subluxation: Partial dislocation associated with loss of function and pain, often following an injury, treated with closed reduction and immobilization.
• ganglion cyst: A fluid-filled nodule that forms under the skin, often on the wrist, caused by leakage of synovial fluid. Treatment options include rest, needle aspiration, or removal.
• herniated disc: The nucleus of the intervertebral disc ruptures, causing nerve compression, which can lead to sciatica if the sciatic nerve is affected.