Glossary of Terms
We have provided this glossary for those readers who may not be familiar with some of the medical terms used in this annual report.
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament): The ligament in the knee that joins the upper leg bone and the lower leg bone
Anterior: Refers to the front
Anterior approach hip replacement (also see Jiffy Hip*): Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery using a frontal (anterior) approach
Arthroplasty: A surgical procedure that restores joint function
Arthroscopic (surgery): A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems
Cupron antimicrobial technology: Copper-infused patient linens, thought to reduce infections and the need for antibiotics
DVT (deep vein thrombosis): A clot that lodges in a blood vessel
Embolism: Blood clot that becomes lodged in a blood vessel and blocks it
Fellowship: Advanced medical training
Glenoid: The part of the shoulder where the shoulder blade (scapula) connects to the upper arm bone (humerus)
Holistic care: An approach to wellness that accounts for the physical, emotional and psychological needs of a patient
Hypotension: Low blood pressure
Incision: A cut made in order to perform surgery
Intramedullary: Referring to the inside of a bone
Jiffy Hip* (also see anterior approach hip replacement): Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery using a frontal (anterior) approach.
MAKOplasty®: Robot-assisted technology for partial knee and total hip replacement surgeries
Minimally invasive: Refers to a surgical procedure that only requires a small incision
MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus): A strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that is difficult to treat and can affect many parts of the body
Multi-modal analgesia: Incorporating different pain control techniques to more effectively manage pain, with fewer side effects
Musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist: A doctor who specializes in the imaging and diagnosis of problems relating to muscles, bones and joints
NAVIO®: Robot-assisted tool for partial knee replacement
Orthopedics: The branch of medicine dealing with the skeletal system
Osteoarthritis: Joint stiffness and joint pain caused by loss of cartilage over time
Patient Navigator: Specially trained orthopedic nurse that provides guidance and education for orthopedic patients and their families
PE: Pulmonary embolism, when a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs
Perioperative pain control: Pain management before, during and after surgery
Periosteum: Specialized connective tissue that covers all bones
Posterior: Refers to the rear
Prophylaxis: A preventive treatment
Quadriceps: The four muscles that cover the front of the thigh
Regional anesthesia: A type of anesthesia administered to only part of the body
RN: Registered nurse
Subchondroplasty: A joint-preserving surgical procedure for chronic knee pain
Subscapularis: The triangular muscle that extends from the shoulder to the upper arm
Subspecialty: A highly specific area of expertise
VTE: Venous thromboembolism is the formation of blood clots in the vein including DVT and PE