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musculoskeletal suffixes
deffinition
26
Medical
Not Applicable
10/22/2025
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Term
-al:
 Definition
 Pertaining to Example: Femoral – Pertaining to the femur, the largest bone in the body, located in the thigh.
Term
-algia:
 Definition
Pain Example: Myalgia – Pain in a muscle, often caused by overuse, injury, or systemic conditions like fibromyalgia.
Term
-ar:
 Definition
Pertaining to Example: Patellar – Pertaining to the kneecap (patella), a small bone that protects the knee joint and assists in movement.
Term
-asthenia: 
 Definition

  • Weakness Example: Myasthenia – Muscle weakness, commonly associated with conditions like myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular function.
Term
-centesis:
 Definition
Surgical puncture to aspirate fluid Example: Arthrocentesis – Surgical puncture of a joint to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, often used to relieve swelling or analyze joint conditions.
Term
-clasia: 
 Definition

  • Break Example: Osteoclasia – Surgical breaking of bone tissue to correct deformities or aid in the healing process in severe cases.
Term
-clast:
 Definition

  • Break Example: Osteoclast – A specialized bone cell that breaks down bone tissue during bone remodeling and repair.
Term
-desis: 
 Definition

  • Surgical fixation, fusion Example: Arthrodesis – Surgical fusion of a joint to provide stability and reduce pain, often used for severe arthritis.
Term
-ectomy:
 Definition
Excision, surgical removal, cutting out Example: Tenectomy – Surgical removal of part of a tendon, often performed to treat chronic tendon inflammation or injury
Term
-gram:
 Definition
The record, radiographic image Example: Myogram – A record of muscle contraction activity, often used to diagnose neuromuscular disorders
Term
-graphy: 
 Definition

  • Process of recording, radiographic imaging Example: Arthrography – Imaging of a joint using contrast dye to assess joint structures such as cartilage, ligaments, and bones.
Term
-ic:
 Definition

  • Pertaining to Example: Thoracic – Pertaining to the thorax (chest), which houses the lungs, heart, and other vital structures.
Term
-itis: 
 Definition
Inflammation Example: Myositis – Inflammation of muscle tissue, which can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, or trauma.
Term
-lysis:
 Definition
Loosening, separating, dissolution Example: Osteolysis – Destruction or dissolution of bone tissue, often seen in conditions like bone metastasis or infection
Term
-malacia:
 Definition

  • Softening Example: Chondromalacia – Softening of cartilage, particularly in the knee, leading to pain and difficulty with movement.
Term
-oid:
 Definition
Resembling Example: Myeloid – Resembling bone marrow, often used to describe cells or tissues related to hematopoiesis
Term
oma: 
 Definition

  • Tumor Example: Rhabdomyoma – A benign tumor of muscle tissue, typically found in the heart or skeletal muscles.
Term
-osis:
 Definition
Abnormal condition Example: Scoliosis – Abnormal curvature of the spine, which can cause back pain, reduced mobility, and postural issues.
Term
-penia:
 Definition
Abnormal reduction Example: Sarcopenia – Loss of muscle mass and strength, often associated with aging, inactivity, or poor nutrition.
Term
-physis:
 Definition

  • Growth Example: Epiphysis – The growth end of a long bone, critical during childhood and adolescence for bone elongation.
Term
-plasty: 
 Definition

  • Surgical repair Example: Myoplasty – Surgical repair or reconstruction of damaged or weakened muscle tissue.
Term
-rrhaphy:
 Definition
Suturing, repairing Example: Tenorrhaphy – Suturing of a torn or severed tendon to restore function and stability.
Term
-sarcoma:
 Definition
Malignant tumor Example: Osteosarcoma – A malignant bone tumor commonly affecting children and young adults, requiring surgical and medical treatment.
Term
-scopy:
 Definition
Process of viewing, visual examination Example: Arthroscopy – Visual examination of a joint using a specialized instrument to diagnose and treat joint conditions.
Term
-tomy:
 Definition
Incision, cut into Example: Myotomy – Surgical incision into a muscle, often performed to relieve tightness or treat muscle disorders.
Term
-trophy:
 Definition
Nourishment, development Example: Hypertrophy – Excessive development of tissue or an organ, commonly referring to increased muscle size due to exercise or compensatory growth.
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