Musculoskeletal Key

Rotator Cuff Tear Description A rotator cuff tear is characterized by pain and weakness in the shoulder as a result of tearing the rotator cuff tendons, and it is often…

Posterior Ankle Impingement and Posterior Process Fracture of the Talus Description Posterior ankle impingement is characterized by pinching and inflammation of the tissues in the back of the ankle. This…

Tibial Collateral Ligament Bursitis Description A bursa is like a water balloon that helps reduce friction and wear between bones and soft tissue. The tibial collateral ligament (TCL) is a…

Snapping Scapula Description Snapping scapula is characterized by a snapping of the shoulder blade (scapula) that can be heard by the athlete and often by others. This condition may be…

Biceps Tendon Tendinitis, Distal Description Distal biceps tendon tendinitis is characterized by pain at the front of the elbow from inflammation of the biceps tendon, usually from friction at a…

Anabolic Steroids Description Anabolic steroids are substances that increase muscle mass, strength, and power. As a group, they are made up of testosterone and its synthetic derivatives. These drugs have…

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Osteochondrosis, Apophysitis of the Tibial Tubercle) Description Osgood–Schlatter disease is characterized by inflammation of the growth plate of the leg just below the knee at the tibial tubercle,…

Discoid Meniscus Description The meniscus is a cartilage structure in the knee that sits on top of the leg bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci, an inner meniscus and…

Spondylolisthesis Description Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one or more vertebrae, the bones of the spine. Many causes of slippage of the vertebra are possible; these include stress fracture (spondylolysis),…

Little Leaguer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylar Apophysitis) Description Little leaguer’s elbow is characterized by inflammation of the growth plate of the inner elbow. The medial epicondylar growth plate of the elbow…