Introduction

Orthopaedic complaints account for some of the most common presentations to physicians. A thorough working knowledge of basic anatomy, function, and movement is essential for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of these conditions. The following terms are commonly used in orthopaedic practice. Mastery of these basic terms will allow the reader to better understand the material presented in the following chapters.

Anatomy

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  Allograft : Tissue or specimen that comes from the same species but a different individual (e.g., cadaver grafts in reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament).

  
  
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  Anterior cruciate ligament : The primary stabilizer that prevents anterior translation of the tibia on the femur, as well as for rotational movement. It is one of the most commonly injured knee ligaments. It heals poorly due to its limited blood supply and often requires surgical reconstruction.

  
  
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  Articular cartilage : Hyaline cartilage that lines the end of long bones, forming the surface of a joint.

  
  
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  Autograft : Tissue specimen that comes from the same individual but from a different anatomic site (e.g., bone–patellar tendon–bone or hamstring grafts in the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in the same individual).

  
  
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  Bipartite : Meaning two parts, it refers to the anatomic variant in which the ossification centers of a sesamoid bone fail to properly fuse. Most commonly seen in the patella and sesamoids of the foot.

  
  
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  Diaphysis : The shaft of a long bone composed of bone marrow and adipose tissue.

  
  
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  Discoid meniscus : Anatomic variant in which the typical C -shaped fibrocartilage meniscus assumes a thickened, flat contour.

  
  
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  Epiphyseal plate (physis) : The “growth plate.” This hyaline cartilage structure is the site of elongation of long bones. Physes are inherently weak compared with the surrounding bone and thus are often sites of injury in developing children and adolescents.

  
  
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  Epiphysis : The end of a long bone that ultimately forms the articular cartilage–lined edges of a long bone.

  
  
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  Labrum : A fibrocartilage ring that surrounds the articular surface of a joint helping deepen and stabilize the joint (e.g., glenoid labrum of the shoulder and the acetabular labrum of the hip).

  
  
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  Lateral collateral ligament : Primary knee stabilizer to varus stress.

  
  
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  Ligament : Fibrous connective tissue attaching one bone to another. Provides structural support to the joint.

  
  
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  Medial collateral ligament : The primary knee stabilizer to valgus stress.

  
  
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  Meniscus : C -shaped fibrocartilage cushion in the knee; distributes load forces between the femur and tibia.

  
  
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  Metaphysis : The portion of a long bone between the epiphysis and the diaphysis.

  
  
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  Posterior cruciate ligament : The primary stabilizer that prevents posterior translation of the tibia to the femur and also contributes to rotary stability.

  
  
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  Tendon : Fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.

  
  
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  Triangular fibrocartilage complex : A collection of ligaments and fibrocartilage located on the ulnar side of the wrist, which stabilizes the distal radius, ulna, and carpal bones.

  
  
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  Tuberosity : A bony prominence that serves as the site of attachment for tendons and/or ligaments.