Orthopedic Glossary

Plain-language definitions of the terms, diagnoses, and treatments you will encounter throughout this site.

Adipose Allograft
Processed fat tissue from a donor used as an injectable cushioning and anti-inflammatory agent for damaged joints. Learn more about adipose allograft injections.
Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
Progressive breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones inside a joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The most common form in orthopedic practice is osteoarthritis, which results from wear over time rather than autoimmune disease. Read more about osteoarthritis.
BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate)
A regenerative treatment in which bone marrow is drawn from the patient's hip, concentrated to isolate stem cells and growth factors, then injected into a damaged joint or tendon to promote healing. Learn more about BMAC injections.
Bursa / Bursitis
A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near a joint. Bursitis is inflammation of that sac, commonly affecting the shoulder, hip, or knee. Read more about bursitis.
Cartilage
Smooth, slippery connective tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint. Healthy cartilage allows near-frictionless movement. Once damaged, it has limited ability to repair itself, which is why many nonsurgical treatments focus on reducing inflammation and stimulating repair.
Cortisone Injection
An anti-inflammatory steroid injected directly into a joint or soft tissue to reduce swelling and pain. Cortisone provides temporary relief and is often used as a bridge while longer-term treatments take effect. Learn more about cortisone injections.
Degenerative Disc Disease
A condition in which the intervertebral discs - the cushions between the bones of the spine - lose hydration and height over time, potentially causing pain, stiffness, or nerve compression. Despite the name, it is a normal part of aging, not a progressive disease. Read more about degenerative disc disease.
Exosomes
Tiny cell-derived vesicles that carry growth factors, proteins, and signaling molecules. In orthopedic regenerative medicine, exosome injections aim to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair at the cellular level. Learn more about exosome therapy.
Herniated Disc
A condition in which the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer ring, potentially compressing a nearby nerve and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm or leg. Read more about herniated discs.
Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)
A naturally occurring substance in joint fluid that provides lubrication and shock absorption. When injected into an arthritic joint, it restores cushioning and can reduce pain for months. Orthovisc is a commonly used brand. Learn more about viscosupplementation.
Impingement
A condition in which soft tissues - typically tendons or a bursa - are pinched between bones during movement. Most common in the shoulder, where the rotator cuff tendons can become compressed beneath the acromion bone during overhead activities.
Meniscus / Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and shinbone. Tears can result from acute injury or gradual degeneration and are one of the most common knee conditions. Read more about meniscus tears.
Nerve Block
An injection of anesthetic near a specific nerve or nerve group to interrupt pain signals. Used both for diagnosis (to confirm the source of pain) and for treatment. Learn more about nerve blocks.
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Read more about plantar fasciitis.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
A concentration of platelets isolated from the patient's own blood, rich in growth factors that promote tissue healing when injected into an injured area. PRP is one of the most widely studied regenerative treatments in orthopedics. Learn more about PRP injections.
Radiculopathy
Nerve root compression causing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates along the nerve pathway. The most common example is sciatica, in which compression of a lumbar nerve root sends pain down the leg.
Regenerative Medicine
A field of medicine that uses biologic materials to repair or replace damaged tissue rather than simply masking symptoms. In orthopedics, this includes PRP, stem cell therapy, exosomes, and related treatments.
Rotator Cuff
A group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow it to move through its full range of motion. Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder conditions and a frequent reason patients seek nonsurgical treatment. Read more about rotator cuff tears.
Sciatica
Pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the hip and down the back of the leg. It is a symptom of an underlying condition - most often a herniated disc or spinal stenosis - rather than a diagnosis itself. Read more about sciatica.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal or the openings where nerves exit the spine, which can compress nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Most common in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions. Read more about spinal stenosis.
Stem Cell Therapy
A regenerative treatment that uses cells capable of differentiating into specialized tissue types to promote healing in damaged joints, tendons, or cartilage. Sources include bone marrow and donated tissue. Learn more about stem cell therapy.
Tendinopathy (Tendinitis / Tendinosis)
Degeneration or chronic injury of a tendon, usually caused by repetitive overuse. Tendinitis refers to acute inflammation; tendinosis refers to chronic structural breakdown. Common in the shoulder, elbow, knee, and Achilles tendon.
Trigger Point
A tight, painful knot within a muscle that can cause localized pain or refer pain to other areas of the body. Trigger point injections deliver medication directly into the knot to release it. Learn more about trigger point injections.
Ultrasound-Guided Injection
An injection performed under real-time ultrasound imaging so the physician can visualize the needle, the target structure, and surrounding anatomy. This improves accuracy and reduces the risk of misplacement compared to blind injections.
Viscosupplementation
See Hyaluronic Acid. An injection of gel-like hyaluronic acid into an arthritic joint to restore lubrication and cushioning, reducing pain and improving mobility. Learn more about Orthovisc.
Medical Disclaimer: This website provides general educational information only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use of this site does not create a physician-patient relationship. This site has been reviewed by a licensed physician but should not replace a professional medical evaluation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.