Compound Fractures - Glossary

Glossary

Orthopedics: Orthopedics is a branch of medicine, which is related to diagnosis and treatment of diseases of Musculo- skeletal system.

Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone or cartilage. Fractures are also named by the trauma event that caused the bone breakage.

Trauma: An injury (as a wound) to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent.

Swelling: Abnormal inflammation that occurs in the body.

Bone: Bone is the substance that forms the skeleton of the body. It is composed chiefly of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. It also serves as a storage area for calcium, playing a large role in calcium balance in the blood.

Pain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and emotional components.

X-ray: High-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-rays possess the properties of penetrating most substances (to varying extents), of acting on a photographic film or plate (permitting radiography), and of causing a fluorescent screen to give off light (permitting fluoroscopy). In low doses, X-rays are used for making images that help to diagnose disease, and in high doses to treat cancer. Formerly called a Roentgen ray.

Surgery: A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present.

Painkillers: Drug that is used to treat pain.