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Diagnosis and Definitions

Acromioclavicular Arthritis   back to top

Some joints in the body are more likely to develop problems due to normal wear and tear, or degeneration of the cartilage and joint lining. The type of arthritis that occurs due to degeneration over time is called osteoarthritis. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint, at the far end of the collarbone, is a common joint for developing osteoarthritis during middle age.

Amputations   back to top

Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma, prolonged constriction, or surgery. As a surgical measure, it is used to control pain or a disease process in the affected limb, such as malignancy or gangrene. In some cases, it is carried out on individuals as a preventative surgery for such problems. A special case is that of congenital amputation, a congenital disorder, where fetal limbs have been cut off by constrictive bands. In some countries, amputation of the hands, feet or other body parts is or was used as a form of punishment for people who committed crimes. Amputation has also been used as a tactic in war and acts of terrorism; it may also occur as a war injury. In some cultures and religions, minor amputations or mutilations are considered a ritual accomplishment. Unlike some non-mammalian animals (such as lizards that shed their tails, salamanders that can regrow many missing body parts, and hydras, flatworms, and starfish that can regrow entire bodies from small fragments), once removed, human extremities do not grow back, unlike portions of some organs, such as the liver. A transplant or a prosthesis are the only options for recovering the loss.

Arthroplasty   back to top

To change (plasty) a joint. This can be a fusion (eliminating motion but giving stability/pain relief), a biologic arthroplasty (using tissues to alter a joint) or a replacement arthroplasty (using metal and plastic components to replace worn joint).

Arthroscopic Thumb Surgery   back to top

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used in orthopedics to look at a joint from the inside. It is most commonly performed on the knee and shoulder joints. During arthroscopic surgery a small camera is inserted into the joint, giving doctors a closer look in order to make a diagnosis, or in some cases, small repairs.

Arthroscopy    back to top

The use of fiberoptic technology with a viewing moniter to look inside a joint to make a diagnosis and treat the problem. This can now be done in some small joints in the hand as well as wrist, elbow and shoulder.

Bankart Lesion - Bankart Repair   back to top

A Bankart lesion is an injury of the anterior (inferior) glenoid labrum of the shoulder due to repeated (anterior) shoulder dislocation.[1] When this happens, a pocket at the front of the glenoid forms that allows the humeral head to dislocate into it. It is an indication for surgery and often accompanied by a Hill-Sachs lesion, damage to the posterior humeral head. It is named after Arthur Sydney Blundell Bankart, an English orthopaedic surgeon, who lived from 1879-1951.

Basal Join Arthritis Repair   back to top

Common Injuries of the Wrist Hand.The joint at the base of the thumb (carpal-metacarpal joint) is like a saddle, and allows a lot of motion of the thumb at that joint. If the cartilage coating the ends of the bones wears out, bone starts to rub against bone, and arthritis results.

Basal Joint   back to top

The basal joint is where the thumb connects with the wrist. It\'s also known as the carpometacarpal joint or CMC-joint. It\'s this joint that gives our thumb the wide range of movement. It also allows the thumb to be put into the palm of the hand. This motion is called opposition. The joint is held together by ligaments.. When you sprain your thumb you can damage those ligaments. The end of the bones in the joint are covered by cartilage. It\'s smooth and spongy and acts like a sort of cushion. This cartilage allows one side of the joint to move over the other side smoothly and easily

Basal Joint Arthritis   back to top

Thumb arthritis is the most common form of osteoarthritis affecting the hand. Also called basal joint arthritis, thumb arthritis occurs when the cushioning cartilage wears away from the adjoining ends of the bones that form your thumb joint (carpometacarpal joint). Thumb arthritis can cause severe hand pain, swelling, and decreased strength and range of motion, making it difficult to do simple household tasks, such as turning doorknobs and opening jars. Treatment for thumb arthritis may include self-care measures, splints, medication or corticosteroid injections. If you have severe thumb arthritis, you may need surgery.

Biceps Rupture   back to top

A biceps rupture involves a complete tear of the main tendon that attaches the top of the biceps muscle to the shoulder. It happens most often in middle-aged people and is usually due to years of wear and tear on the shoulder. A torn biceps in younger athletes sometimes occurs during weightlifting or from actions that cause a sudden load on the arm, such as hard fall with the arm outstretched.

Bicipital Tendonitis   back to top

Bicipital tendinitis, or biceps tendinitis, is an inflammatory process of the long head of the biceps tendon and is a common cause of shoulder pain due to its position and function. The tendon is exposed on the anterior shoulder as it passes through the humeral bicipital groove and inserts onto the superior aspect of the labrum of the glenohumeral joint. Disorders of the biceps tendon can result from impingement or as an isolated inflammatory injury. Other causes are secondary to compensation for rotator cuff disorders, labral tears, and intra-articular pathology.

Bony Gamekee's Thumb   back to top

This is a specific type of injury of the joint where the thumb joins the palm, on the index finger side of the thumb. Usually caused by a fall, some how catching the thumb on the way down. When skiing, the thumb may be injured in a fall, caught in the ski pole loop - referred to as a \"ski pole thumb\" - the same injury.

Brachial Plexus Injury   back to top

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spinal cord, which is housed in the spinal canal of the vertebral column (or spine), to the shoulder, arm and hand. These nerves originate in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth cervical (C5-C8), and first thoracic (T1) spinal nerves, and innervate the muscles and skin of the chest, shoulder, arm and hand. Brachial plexus injuries, or lesions, are caused by damage to those nerves. Brachial plexus injuries, or lesions, can occur as a result of shoulder trauma, tumours, or inflammation. The rare Parsonage-Turner Syndrome causes brachial plexus inflammation without obvious injury, but with nevertheless disabling symptoms. But in general, brachial plexus lesions can be classified as either traumatic or obstetric. Obstetric injuries may occur from mechanical injury involving shoulder dystocia during difficult childbirth. Traumatic injury may arise from several causes. "The brachial plexus may be injured by falls from a height on to the side of the head and shoulder, whereby the nerves of the plexus are violently stretched....The brachial plexus may also be injured by direct violence or gunshot wounds, by violent traction on the arm, or by efforts at reducing a dislocation of the shoulder joint".

Bursitis of the Shoulder   back to top

A general term often referring to impingement syndrome of the shoulder, a painful condition related to inflammation of the shoulder rotator cuff tendons. Bursitis can also occur in other lubricating sacs around joints, such as the elbow (olecranon bursitis).

Carpal Metacarpal Surgery   back to top

Degenerative arthritis (aka osteoarthritis) of the thumb carpo-metacarpal joint (CMC) is a common problem, which usually affects women beginning around the fifth decade of life. Arthritis is a condition where the articular cartilage or gliding surface of a joint becomes worn and degraded. This may ultimately result in a painful and stiff joint.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome   back to top

Compression of the median nerve inside a bony canal in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This leads to pain and numbness in the hand and is easily treatable when recognized. It has No relationship to typing or other repetitive activities despite common misconceptions.

Carpometacarpal Joint Surgery   back to top

Carpus   back to top

Carpus is anatomical assembly connecting the hand to forearm. In human anatomy, the main role of the carpus is to facilitate effective positioning of the hand and powerful use of the extensors and flexors of the forearm, but the mobility of individual carpal bones increase the freedom of movements at the wrist. In tetrapods, the carpus is the sole cluster of bones in the wrist between the radius and ulna and the metacarpus. The bones of the carpus do not belong to individual fingers (or toes in quadrupeds), whereas those of the metacarpus do. The corresponding part of the foot is the tarsus. The carpal bones allow the wrist to move and rotate vertically.

Clavicle Fracture   back to top

A clavicle fracture is a bone fracture in the clavicle, or collarbone. It is often caused by a fall onto an outstretched upper extremity, a fall onto a shoulder, or a direct blow to the clavicle. Many research projects are underway regarding the medical healing process of clavicle fractures.

CMC Hand Surgery   back to top

CMC Joint Surgery   back to top

The joint at the base of the thumb which allows for the swivel and pivoting motions of the thumb is referred to as the basal joint or thumb CMC (carpometacarpal) joint. Because of its design, it tends to wear out and develop arthritis early in life. Basal joint arthritis is also common in people who have osteoarthritis.

Colles' Fracture   back to top

Very common fracture at wrist involving the end of the radius forearm bone. Treated with cast or surgical means depending upon extent of displacement. Frequently seen in older patients with osteoporosis

Comminuted   back to top

Refers to fragmentation of a fracture. Cortisone – A generic term for a corticosteroid which is a class of drugs used to decrease inflammation and pain in either oral, intravenous or locally injectable form. It is a very helpful medication if not used excessively.

Corticosteroid    back to top

Corticosteroids are a class of chemicals that includes steroid hormones naturally produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates and analogues of these hormones that are synthesized in laboratories. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of physiologic processes, including stress response, immune response, and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior. Glucocorticoids such as cortisol control carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and are anti-inflammatory by preventing phospholipid release, decreasing eosinophil action and a number of other mechanisms.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome   back to top

Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, frequently referred to as the “funny bone” . This condition is usually diagnosed with nerve conduction studies and may require transposition (moving) the nerve out of its tight tunnel and into a protective soft tissue environment

DeQuervain Tendinitis    back to top

A common, very painful tendonitis in the wrist near the base of the thumb. Easily treated with a corticosteroid injection and occasionally a minor surgical procedure.

Dislocation   back to top

Joint dislocation, or luxation occurs when bones in a joint become displaced or misaligned. It is often caused by a sudden impact to the joint. The ligaments always become damaged as a result of a dislocation. A subluxation is a partial dislocation.

Distal Humerus   back to top

Distal Humerus Fractures   back to top

The three bones that come together to form the elbow can break (fracture) in different ways. A distal humerus fracture is one type of elbow fracture. The distal humerus is the end of the upper arm bone (the humerus) that forms the upper part of the elbow. These types of elbow fractures are fairly uncommon. They account for about 2% of fractures in adults. The elbow is a complicated joint and elbow fractures can involve both of the forearm bones, as well as the humerus.

Distal Radius Articular Fracture   back to top

The radius is the larger of the two bones of the forearm. The end toward the wrist is called the distal end. A fracture of the distal radius occurs when the area of the radius near the wrist breaks.

Dupuytren's Contracture or Dupuytren's Desease   back to top

A condition causing fibrosis and contracture of the soft tissue (palmar fascia) of the palmar aspect of the hand. Severe contracture limiting hand function may need surgical treatment usually with good restoration of function and appearance.

Dupuytren's Disease   back to top

Dupuytren’s disease is an abnormal thickening of the tissue just beneath the skin known as fascia. This thickening occurs in the palm and can extend into the fingers. Firm cords and lumps may develop that can cause the fingers to bend into the palm, in which case it is described as Dupuytren’s contracture. Although the skin may become involved in the process, the deeper structures—such as the tendons—are not directly involved. Occasionally, the disease will cause thickening on top of the finger knuckles (knuckle pads), or nodules or cords within the soles of the feet (plantar fibromatosis).

Ebow Flexion Contracture - Stiff Elbow   back to top

Elbow Arthroplasty   back to top

Elbow joint replacement (also called elbow arthroplasty) can effectively treat the problems caused by arthritis of the elbow. The procedure is also becoming more widely used in aging adults to replace joints damaged by fractures. The artificial elbow is considered successful by more than 90 percent of patients who have elbow joint replacement.

Elbow Bursitis - Olecranon   back to top

Bursae are thin, slippery sacs located throughout the body that act as cushions between bones and soft tissues. They contain a small amount of lubricating fluid that allows the skin to move freely over the underlying bone. The olecranon bursa lies between the loose skin and the pointy bone at the back of the elbow called the olecranon. Normally, the olecranon bursa is flat. If it becomes irritated or inflamed, more fluid will accumulate in the bursa and bursitis will develop.

Elbow Dislocation   back to top

Elbow dislocation is the most common dislocation in children; in adults, it is the second most common dislocation after that of the shoulder. The elbow is amazingly stable, relying more on bony anatomy configuration for stability rather than ligaments. Considerable force is necessary to dislocate the elbow; sports activities account for up to 50% of elbow dislocations, and this type of injury is more commonly seen in adolescent and young adult populations.

Elbow Trauma   back to top

Endoscopic Cubital Tunnel Release   back to top

Release of the painful ulnar nerve at the elbow is a common operation that is virtually always done via a large open incision. At Badia Hand to Shoulder Center, we have been doing the technique endoscopically, via a mini portal incision using an endoscope to release the ulnar nerve, often called the “funny bone”. This alleviates the numbness and pain, and allows the patient to use the arm immediately as this is done in Miami (Doral) as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia. Virtually no therapy is required and the complications such as scarring, neuromas, and continued pain are almost never seen with the endoscopic approach.

Endoscopy   back to top

Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person\'s digestive tract. Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, your doctor can view pictures of your digestive tract on a color TV monitor.

Epicondylitis   back to top

Inflammation of the bony prominences at the elbow. Lateral epicondylitis is better known as tennis elbow and medial epicondylitis is golfer’s elbow.

Finger Debridement   back to top

Finger Reattachment - Finger Replantation   back to top

Finger reattachment (or replacement) is defined as reattachment of the part that has been completely amputated.

Fingertip   back to top

The extreme end or tip of a finger. A finger is a limb of the human body and a type of digit, an organ of manipulation and sensation found in the hands of humans and other primates. Normally humans have five digits, termed phalanges, on each hand (exceptions are polydactyly, oligodactyly and digit loss). The first digit is the thumb, followed by index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger or pinky. Some other languages use the same generic term for all five digits of a hand.

Flexor Tenosynovitis FT   back to top

Flexor tenosynovitis (FT) is a pathophysiologic state causing disruption of normal flexor tendon function in the hand. A variety of etiologies are responsible for this process. Most acute cases of FT are the result of infection. However, FT also can be secondary to acute or chronic inflammation as a result of diabetes, overuse, or arthritis.

Fracture    back to top

A break in a bone. A displaced fracture indicates a break that is out of its normal anatomic position while a comminuted fractures means it is fragmented in several pieces.

Fractures - Phalanx, Metacarpals   back to top

If you have a "broken hand," you have a metacarpal fracture -- an injury to the bone at the level of the palm of your hand. You have five metacarpal bones, one for each of your fingers. The metacarpal bones support the hand, and the end of the metacarpal bone forms the knuckle on the back of your hand.

Frozen Shoulder - Adhesive Capsulitis   back to top

Frozen shoulder is when the shoulder is painful and loses motion because of inflammation.

Fusion - (Arthrodesis)   back to top

A surgical technique where a joint is rendered stiff in order to eliminate pain and restore stability. Certain joints, such as the distal interphalangeal and wrist, are best suited for arthrodesis, whereas others are indicated for arthroplasty (replacement) such as elbow and shoulder.

Ganglion Cyst   back to top

Fluid filled cyst often seen in the wrist, both dorsal and palmar aspects, that may be painful and or unsightly and require removal in that case. Ganglion cyst or a bible cyst is a rounded lump, which is generally present on a muscle tendon near a joint. It is typically noticed as a slow growing or static swelling, which is painless and does not cause any functional restriction. Historically, ganglion cysts were treated by hitting them with a bible, and hence the name, “bible cyst“. Except the unsightly appearance, ganglion cysts are completely harmless and have absolutely no propensity of becoming cancerous. A neurofibroma is a similar lump occurring on nerves and has been known for cancerous transformation. Hence, it is very important to know whether one has a ganglion cyst or a neurofibroma.

Ganglion Cyst Finger   back to top

Similar to wrist, a ganglion cyst in finger is present near the first or second inter-phalengeal joint on the outer aspect. Even a small ganglion cyst in finger or a ganglion cyst in thumb can lead to a faulty grip or inability to fluently use the hand. Longstanding ganglion cyst in finger can cause a permanent finger deformity. Hence, such ganglion cysts should be promptly removed.

Ganglion Cyst in Wrist - Volar Ganglion   back to top

Ganglion cysts on wrist joint are exceedingly common. Ganglion cyst in wrist are located on the back of the wrist above the wrist bones scaphoid and lunate and are called dorsal ganglion cysts. Ganglion cysts on the front of wrist are called volar ganglion cysts. The size of a ganglion cyst in wrist may vary from a pea to a small lemon, but sometimes it can be large enough to cover the entire wrist. Larger ganglion cysts, though quite rare, tend to restrict wrist motion to some extent. Many people with concurrent carpal tunnel syndrome or other ailments tend to wrongly attribute the ganglion cyst in wrist as a cause of their pain. But, it is a misconception, as ganglion cysts are never painful.

Glenohumeral Arthritis of Shoulder   back to top

Golfer's Elbow   back to top

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an inflammatory condition of the medial epicondyle of the elbow. It is in some ways similar to tennis elbow. The anterior forearm contains several muscles that are involved with flexing the fingers and thumb, and flexing and pronating the wrist. The tendons of these muscle come together in a common tendinous sheath, which is inserted into the medial epicondyle of the humerus at the elbow joint. In response to minor injury, or sometimes for no obvious reason at all, this point of insertion becomes inflamed.

Hand Surgeon   back to top

Specialist with either orthopedic and/or plastic surgery background with further subspecialized training in surgery of the hand and upper extremity often including the shoulder. This includes nonsurgical treatment which may include medications and therapy.

Hand Tendonitis   back to top

Symptoms of hand tendonitis include pain and tenderness in the hand centralized along a tendon. Tendons are usually located near joints, so many patients describe the pain as joint pain. Tendonitis pain typically worsens at night. Also, activity or movement can make the pain worse. Repetitive motion is particularly aggravating for an individual with tendonitis. Because these symptoms can also indicate other hand conditions, like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, patients who find the pain interfering with their everyday activities should seek the help of a physician for an accurate diagnosis. Swelling often accompanies the pain.

Heterotopic Ossification   back to top

Is the process by which bone tissue forms outside of the skeleton.

Humerus   back to top

Upper arm bone that can fracture in different segments and often treated by hand surgeons particularly if any associated nerve injury.

Impingement Syndrome   back to top

Common spectrum of shoulder problems related to degenerative problems of the rotator cuff and the overlying bursa (lubricating sac). Treatment may involve anti-inflammatories, injection, therapy and surgery, usually arthroscopic.

Jersey Finger    back to top

Traumatic condition, often sports related, where flexor tendon insertion ruptures near end of finger leading to incomplete flexion (bending) of digit. Opposite process of mallet finger.

Keloid   back to top

Thickening of scar on skin of patients who have a predisposition to this type of wound healing.

Kienbock's Disease   back to top

A painful condition in the wrist where a small bone called the lunate loses its blood supply (avascular necrosis) and dies leading to possible collaps of this bone and later arthritis.

Labral Tear   back to top

The labrum is made of a thick tissue that is susceptible to injury with trauma to the shoulder joint. When a patient sustains a shoulder injury, it is possible that the patient has a labral tear. The labrum also becomes more brittle with age, and can fray and tear as part of the aging process.

Ligament   back to top

Soft tissue structure that connects two bones together. Rupture or tearing can lead to pain and/or dysfunction of that joint.

Ligament Injuries   back to top

Sprains and strains are among the most common orthopedic injuries. Sprains describe an injury to a ligament and strains describe an injury to muscle. Treatment of both sprains and strains is important for a timely recovery.

Lunate    back to top

Critical bone in the wrist lying next to the scaphoid which articulates with the radius forearm bone.

Mallet Finger - Baseball Finger    back to top

Traumatic injury where terminal extensor tendon of finger ruptures or pulls of small bone fragment leading to inability to extend (straighten) last joint (distal interphalangeal) of finger.

Metacarpal   back to top

Long bones in the palm which articulate with the phalanges in the fingers.

Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fractures   back to top

Metacarpal Fracture   back to top

If you have a "broken hand," you have a metacarpal fracture -- an injury to the bone at the level of the palm of your hand. You have five metacarpal bones, one for each of your fingers. The metacarpal bones support the hand, and the end of the metacarpal bone forms the knuckle on the back of your hand.

Microsurgery    back to top

Surgical technique that requires the use of an operating microscope. This technique has nothing to do with the size of the incision but rather the use of magnification to repair small structures such as small arteries, veins and nerves that are barely visible with the naked eye. Arthroscopy uses tiny incisions but has nothing to do with microsurgery.

Obstetric Palsy - Erb's Palsy   back to top

Erb's palsy (Erb-Duchenne Palsy) is a paralysis of the arm caused by injury to the upper group of the arm's main nerves, specifically the upper trunk C5-C6 is severed. These form part of the brachial plexus, comprising the ventral rami of spinal nerves C5-C8, and T1. These injuries arise most commonly, but not exclusively, from shoulder dystocia during a difficult birth. Depending on the nature of the damage, the paralysis can either resolve on its own over a period of months, necessitate rehabilitative therapy, or require surgery.

Orthopedic Surgeon   back to top

Surgical specialist dedicated to treatment of the musculoskeletal system, by both conservative and surgical means. They can subspecialize in areas such as the hand and upper extremity, spine, foot and ankle, pediatric etc.Osteoarthritis – Wear and tear arthritis commonly seen in older people but of unknown cause. It can be slow or rapidly progressive possibly requiring surgical treatment of a variety of joints.

Osteoarthritis   back to top

Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is a group of mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Symptoms may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and sometimes an effusion. A variety of causes—hereditary, developmental, metabolic, and mechanical—may initiate processes leading to loss of cartilage. When bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, bone may be exposed and damaged. As a result of decreased movement secondary to pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax.

Phalanx   back to top

Bones inside fingers named according to digit and if farthest from palm (distal) or closest (proximal) .

Proximal Humerus Fracture   back to top

A proximal humerus fracture is a common injury to the shoulder. Especially common in elderly individuals due to osteoporosis, proximal humerus fractures are among the most common broken bones.

Radius   back to top

Long bone of forearm that rotates around fixed ulna to allow palm down (pronation) and palm up (supination) positions of wrist.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy   back to top

eflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is an incompletely understood response of the body to an external stimulus, resulting in pain that is usually nonanatomic and disproportionate to the inciting event or expected healing response.

Reflex Sympathetic Syndrome   back to top

Painful misunderstood condition now know as complex regional pain syndrome type I. It is due to an overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and is treated with therapy , oral agents, and often a series of nerve blocks administered by a pain management specialist.

Replantation   back to top

The surgical reattachment of a completely severed digit or limb. This requires the use of microsurgery and an operating team experienced in this technique. The amputated part must be kept cool in a moist gauze protected from direct contact with ice in order to minimize tissue damage until the blood flow (perfusion) is surgically re-established to the severed part.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - RA   back to top

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Rotator Cuff   back to top

A common cuff of tendinous tissue made up of 4 separate muscle tendons that come together around the head of the humerus in the shoulder joint to help stabilize it. Tears are commonly seen in either acute or repetitive trauma and in degenerative processes seen in older patients.

Rotator Cuff Tear   back to top

Rotator cuff tears are tears of one or more of the four tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. A rotator cuff injury can include any type of irritation or damage to the rotator cuff muscles or tendons. Rotator cuff tears are among the most common conditions affecting the shoulder. The tendons of the rotator cuff, not the muscles, are most commonly torn. Of the four tendons, the supraspinatus is most frequently torn as it passes below the acromion; the tear usually occurs at its point of insertion onto the humeral head at the greater tubercule.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis   back to top

Rotator cuff tendonitis, also knows as "bursitis" or "impingement syndrome" occurs when the rotator cuff gets irritated on the undersurface of the acromion. The reason this begins in the first place is a source of some debate. Some people are born with a "hooked" acromion that will predispose them to this problem. Others have rotator cuff weakness that causes the humerus to ride up and pinch the cuff. This means that the bursa — a water-balloon type structure that acts as a cushion between the rotator cuff and acromion/humerus — gets inflamed.

Scaphoid    back to top

A kidney shaped bone in the wrist near the base of the thumb that is critical to wrist function. Fractures are common here and can lead to healing problems due to relatively poor blood supply to this bone that may require bone stimulation (with a device) and/or surgery usually consisting of bone grafting.

Shoulder Arthritis- Glenohumeral   back to top

Arthritis is a condition that occurs in various joints in the body, especially in the knees, hips, and spine. It can affect any joint, but the shoulder is affected infrequently. When arthritis occurs, the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones making up the joint breaks down and often flakes off into the joint. The joint becomes swollen and stiff, and the lining tissue of the joint (the synovium) becomes overgrown. Frequently, spurs will develop around the margins of the joint and can, sometimes, break off inside. The pain can vary from mild to very severe, depending upon many factors, including the severity of the disease, the type of arthritis (most are wear and tear, or degenerative arthritis, but some are caused by rheumatoid disease) and the activity level.

Shoulder instability   back to top

Shoulder instability and dislocation occur when the shoulder capsule is stretched or torn, and/or when the labrum is detached from the glenoid.

SLAP Tear - LAP Lesion   back to top

A SLAP tear or SLAP lesion is an injury to the Glenoid labrum (fibrocartilaginous rim attached around the margin of the glenoid cavity). SLAP is an acronym that stands for \"superior labral tear from anterior to posterior\".

Suprascapular Nerve Palsy   back to top

Suspensionplasty   back to top

Suspensionplasty Basal Joint Arthritis Suspensionplasty is the use of abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon as sling. First, the bone at the base of thumb (trapezium) is removed. Then the APL is taken from its attachments to the carpometacarpel (CMC) and threaded to the two tunnels. One tunnel goes through the bone of the index figure. While the other goes through the thumb. The APL is stitched to another tendon to hold in its place. The overall effect is to stop the deforming force of the APL on the CMC joint. The grip and key pinch strength is measured before and after surgery. The range of motions and pain levels were also recorded; x-rays were also taken both before and after the process of Suspensionplasty. The conclusion that was drawn after all the above recordings was that most of the patients were pain free after the surgery. Pinching and gripping activities became easier for most of them.

Sympathetic Dystrophy Wrist RSD   back to top

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is an incompletely understood response of the body to an external stimulus, resulting in pain that is usually nonanatomic and disproportionate to the inciting event or expected healing response.

Synovitis   back to top

Synovitis is the medical term for inflammation of the synovial membrane. This membrane lines joints which possess cavities, known as synovial joints. The condition is usually painful, particularly when the joint is moved. The joint usually swells due to synovial fluid collection. Synovitis may occur in association with arthritis as well as lupus, gout, and other conditions. Synovitis is more commonly found in rheumatoid arthritis than in other forms of arthritis, and can thus serve as a distinguishing factor, although it can present to a lesser degree in osteoarthritis. Long term occurrence of synovitis can result in degeneration of the joint.

Synovitis- Joint Swelling   back to top

Synovitis is the medical term for inflammation of the synovial membrane. This membrane lines joints which possess cavities, known as synovial joints. The condition is usually painful, particularly when the joint is moved. The joint usually swells due to synovial fluid collection. Synovitis may occur in association with arthritis as well as lupus, gout, and other conditions. Synovitis is more commonly found in rheumatoid arthritis than in other forms of arthritis, and can thus serve as a distinguishing factor, although it can present to a lesser degree in osteoarthritis. Long term occurrence of synovitis can result in degeneration of the joint.

Tendonitis   back to top

Tendinitis (informally also tendonitis), meaning inflammation of a tendon (the suffix -itis denotes diseases characterized by inflammation), is a type of tendinopathy often confused with the more common tendinosis, which has similar symptoms but requires different treatment. The term tendinitis should be reserved for tendon injuries that involve larger-scale acute injuries accompanied by inflammation. Generally tendinitis is referred to by the body part involved, such as Achilles tendinitis (affecting the Achilles tendon), or patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee, affecting the patellar tendon).

Tendons    back to top

Soft tissue structures that connect a muscle to a bone and render function across a joint. These may require repair or even transfer to substitute function in conditions where a joint is disabled.

Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis   back to top

A painful and sometimes disabling inflammation of the muscle and surrounding tissues of the elbow caused by repeated stress and strain on the forearm near the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (arm bone).

Tenosynovitis    back to top

Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the lining of the sheath that surrounds a tendon (the cord that joins muscle to bone).

TFCC Repair - Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear   back to top

A TFCC tear is a tear in the triangular fibrocartilage complex, a structure found in the little finger side of the wrist. Within the forearm are 2 bones, the radius (thumb side) and the ulna (little finger side), and within the wrist there are 8 wrist bones (carpals). The TFCC sits between the ulna and 2 carpal bones, the triquetrum and lunate.

Thumb Arthritis - Osteoarthritis of the Hand or Fingers   back to top

Thumb arthritis is the most common form of osteoarthritis affecting the hand. Also called basal joint arthritis, thumb arthritis occurs when the cushioning cartilage wears away from the adjoining ends of the bones that form your thumb joint (carpometacarpal joint). Thumb arthritis can cause severe hand pain, swelling, and decreased strength and range of motion, making it difficult to do simple household tasks, such as turning doorknobs and opening jars. Treatment for thumb arthritis may include self-care measures, splints, medication or corticosteroid injections. If you have severe thumb arthritis, you may need surgery.

Thumb Arthroscopy   back to top

Thumb arthroscopy is a safe and effective technique. It’s a reliable procedure that offers the orthopaedic surgeon a chance to directly evaluate the status of the joint. Like the other endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures at OS, the Thumb Arthroscopy is minimally invasive meaning patients are able to start their recovery sooner than the alternatives. By leaving little to no scarring, the surgeon reduces the risk of infection which allows the patient to return to their life quickly and with a minimal amount of discomfort.

Trapezium Bone - Greater Multangular Bone   back to top

The trapezium bone (greater multangular bone) is a carpal bone in the wrist. It forms the radial border of the carpal tunnel. The trapezium is distinguished by a deep groove on its anterior surface. It is situated at the radial side of the carpus, between the scaphoid and the first metacarpal bone (the metacarpal bone of the thumb). It is homologous with the first distal carpal of reptiles and amphibians.

Trauma   back to top

In medicine, however, the words trauma patient usually refer to someone who has suffered serious and life-threatening physical injury potentially resulting in secondary complications such as shock, respiratory failure and death.

Trigger Finger - Flexor Tenosynovitis   back to top

Trigger finger, trigger thumb, or trigger digit, is a common disorder of later adulthood characterized by catching, snapping or locking of the involved finger flexor tendon, associated with dysfunction and pain. A disparity in size between the flexor tendon and the surrounding retinacular pulley system, most commonly at the level of the first annular (A1) pulley, results in difficulty flexing or extending the finger and the “triggering” phenomenon. The label of trigger finger is used because when the finger unlocks, it pops back suddenly, as if releasing a trigger on a gun.

Tumor   back to top

A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm [a solid or fluid-filled (cystic) lesion that may or may not be formed by an abnormal growth of neoplastic cells] that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer. While cancer is by definition malignant, a tumor can be benign, pre-malignant, or malignant, or can represent a lesion without any cancerous potential whatsoever.

Ulnar Collateral   back to top

Long bone of forearm (fixed) starting at elbow tip and going to small finger side of wrist.