OHSU Health Information Library Topics

Orthopaedics

About Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases

Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is one category of rheumatic diseases.

Anatomy of a Joint

Joints are the areas where two or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move.

Anatomy of the Bone

A typical bone in your body contains three types of tissue—a hard outer tissue, a sponge-like inner tissue, and smooth tissue at the ends.

Anatomy of the Elbow

The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus bone in the upper arm and the radius and ulnar bones in the lower arm.

Anatomy of the Foot

Your feet are susceptible to many stresses. Foot pain and problems can cause pain, inflammation, or injury.

Anatomy of the Hand

Each of your hands has three types of bones: phalanges in your fingers; metacarpals in your mid-hand, and carpals in your wrist.

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee is a vulnerable joint that bears a lot of stress from everyday activities such as lifting and from high-impact activities such as jogging.

Anatomy of the Male and Female Pelvis

The pelvis is a basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organs.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder is a complex joint with several layers, including bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Anatomy of the Spine

Your backbone, also called the vertebral column, is made up of 33 vertebrae separated by spongy disks.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Detailed information on ankylosing spondylitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases Statistics

Rheumatic diseases are the leading cause of disability among people ages 65 and older.

Arthroscopy

Orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat joint problems. An arthroscope is a small, tube shaped instrument that is used to look inside a joint.

Avascular Necrosis

Detailed information on avascular necrosis, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Benign Bone Tumors

Detailed information on the most common benign bone tumors, including chondroblastoma, enchondroma, giant cell tumor, and osteochondroma

A bone density test measures the strength and density of your bones as you approach menopause and, when the test is repeated sometime later, can help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density.

Bursitis

A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions a joint. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Women develop carpal tunnel syndrome three times more frequently than men. It usually occurs only in adults.

Cast Types and Maintenance Instructions

The outside of a cast can be made of plaster or fiberglass. Cotton and synthetic materials line the inside of the cast to make it soft and to provide padding around bony areas, such as the wrist or elbow.

Chondroblastoma

A chondroblastoma is a rare type of benign bone tumor that originates from cartilage.

Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant type of bone cancer that primarily affects the cartilage cells of the femur, arm, pelvis, knee, and spine.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is longstanding pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Clubfoot

Detailed information on clubfoot, including causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and cast care

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan

Detailed information on computed tomography scans, also called CT scan or CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed

Congenital Hand Deformities

When one of those precious little hands isn’t as perfectly formed as it should be, an early visit to a hand surgeon should be at the top of your agenda for your newborn.

Congenital Limb Defects

Congenital limb defects occur when a portion or the entire upper or lower limb fails to form normally when the baby is developing in the uterus.

Crutch Walking

Hold the top part of the crutch firmly between the chest and the inside of the upper arm. Do not allow the top of the crutch to push up into the armpit. It is possible to damage nerves and blood vessels with constant pressure.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome feels similar to the pain that occurs from hitting the "funny" bone in your elbow. The condition may occur if you frequently bend your elbows, constantly lean on your elbows, or sustain a direct injury to the area.

Dehydration and Heat Stroke

Dehydration and heat stroke are two very common heat-related diseases that can be life threatening if left untreated.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

Detailed information on developmental dysplasia of the hip, including causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and cast care

Diagnosing Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases

Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.

Diagnosing Hand Conditions

In some cases, a diagnosis can be made simply based on a physical examination. In other cases, though, tests may be needed to help confirm the diagnosis.

Dislocations

A dislocation occurs when extreme force is put on a ligament, allowing the ends of two connected bones to separate. Ligaments are flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect various bones and cartilage.

Dupuytren's Contracture

This disease usually begins with a thickening of the skin in the palm of the hand. This may develop into a hard lump or thick band that eventually causes the fingers to contract.

Elbow Pain and Problems

Detailed information on elbow pain and problems

Enchondroma

Enchondromas are the most common type of hand tumor. Although they may affect people of any age, they are most common between ages 10 and 20.

Evaluation Procedures

To help the orthopedist determine your treatment, you'll need a physical exam, a medical history profile, and a description of symptoms.

Ewing Sarcoma

Detailed information on Ewing sarcoma, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Ewing Sarcoma in Adults

Ewing sarcoma can occur in any bone, but is most often found in the extremities and can involve muscle and the soft tissues around the tumor site.

Exercise and the Aging Person

Exercise is good for people of all ages. It helps lower blood pressure, reduces the risks for falls and serious injuries, and slows the body's loss of muscle and bone mass.

Exercise: The Right Program and the Right Preparation

You don't have to exercise for long periods of time—or even vigorously—to become fit. You do need to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

Femoral Anteversion

Femoral anteversion is an inward twisting of the thigh bone. It is typically detected when a child is 4 to 6 years old.

Fibromyalgia

Detailed information on fibromyalgia, including cause, triggers, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Fibrous Dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is a chronic disorder in which bone expands because of abnormal development of fibrous tissue.

Foot Pain and Problems

Foot pain is often caused by improper foot function. Improperly fitted shoes can worsen and, in some cases, cause foot problems.

Fractures

A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture occurs, it is classified as either open or closed.

Fractures in Children

Fractures occur when more force is applied to the bone than the bone can absorb. Bones are weakest when they are twisted.

Giant Cell Tumor

Giant cell tumors most often appear in the knee, but they can also involve the bones of the arms and the legs, or the flat bones such as the breastbone or pelvis.

Glossary - Orthopedics

Glossary of terms relating to orthopedics

Gout

Gout is marked by inflamed, painful joints because of the formation of crystal deposits in them.

Hand Pain and Problems

Common hand problems include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ganglion cysts.

Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke)

Children and teens are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses for several reasons. They adjust more slowly to changes in air temperature. They also produce more heat with activity and sweat less.

Hip Fracture

A hip fracture is classified by the specific area of the break and the type of break(s) in the bone. It is a serious injury and requires immediate medical attention.

Hip Problems

Detailed information on the most common types of hip problems, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, bursitis, trochanteric bursa, ischial bursa, and hip pointer

Hip Replacement Surgery

This surgery may be considered as treatment after a hip fracture or for someone who has severe arthritis.

Ice Packs vs. Warm Compresses For Pain

It can sometimes be confusing whether to use heat or cold when treating sore muscles or an injury. Here are facts to keep in mind.

Infectious Arthritis

Infectious arthritis is an infection in the joint fluid and tissues. Different bacteria and viruses can infect a joint and usually are associated with a person's age.

Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement is a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Detailed information on juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment

Knee Pain and Problems

Common knee problems include sprains, strains, torn cartilage, and arthritis.

Knee Replacement Surgery

When a knee is severely damaged by disease or injury, an artificial knee replacement may be considered.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine. It is a type of spinal deformity and should not be confused with poor posture.

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

The pain of tennis elbow is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist backward away from the palm.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

This disease is a temporary condition that causes the hip joint to become painful and stiff.

Ligament Injuries to the Knee

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common ligaments to be injured. Learn about the four major ligaments of the knee.

Living with a Rheumatic Disease

With proper management, a rheumatic disease often does not have to hinder your daily activities.

Lordosis

A spine affected by lordosis has a curve in the vertebrae in the lower back area, giving the child a "swayback" appearance.

Low Back Pain

Low back pain can range from mild, dull, and annoying to persistent, severe, and disabling pain. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.

Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back)

A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back, which results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's and Baseball Elbow)

Other activities that can cause this condition include carrying a heavy suitcase, chopping wood, and using a chainsaw.

Metatarsus Adductus

Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity noted at birth that causes the front half of the foot, or forefoot, to turn inward.

Multiple Myeloma

Myeloma bone disease is cancer that affects certain white blood cells called plasma cells.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy causes the muscles in the body to become very weak. The muscles break down and are replaced with fatty deposits over time.

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

The goal of musculoskeletal rehab is to help you return to the highest level of function and independence possible.

Neck Pain and Problems

Neck pain can result from many different causes—injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments; arthritis; a herniated disc; or a tumor.

Nursemaid's Elbow

Nursemaid's elbow occurs when the radius—one of the bones in the forearm—slips out of place from where it normally attaches to the elbow joint.

Online Resources - Orthopedic Center

List of online resources to find additional information on orthopedics

Orthopedic Conditions

Detailed information on orthopedic disorders in children, including fractures, sports injuries, overuse injuries, sprains, strains, and heat-related illness

Orthopedic Treatment Overview

Treatment for a bone disorder depends on several factors, including your age and health, the extent of the disease, and your tolerance for certain procedures and medications.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse condition or injury of the knee that causes pain and swelling below the knee area over the shin bone.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a chronic, degenerative, joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults.

Osteochondroma

Osteochondroma is an overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the bone near the growth plate.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta is also known as brittle-bone disease because it is characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children

Osteogenesis imperfecta is also known as brittle-bone disease because it is characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an inflammation or swelling of bone tissue that is usually the result of an infection.

Osteomyelitis in Children

Detailed information on osteomyelitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma usually affects the long bones around the knee. It occurs most often in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Osteosarcoma

Detailed information on osteosarcoma, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Overuse Injuries

Detailed information on overuse injuries in children, including jumper's knee, patellar tendonitis, little leaguers' elbow, little leaguers' shoulder, osteochondritis dissecans, Sever's disease, shin splints, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease, spondylolisthesis, and spondylolysis

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