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Pathologies
Pathology for NCOPE Approved Orthotic Fitter Certification Courses
42
Health Care
Professional
01/01/2014

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Cards

Term
Whiplash
Definition
A non-medical term describing a range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck associated with extension.
Term
Spinal Stenosis
Definition
an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal that may occur in any of the regions of the spine. This narrowing causes a restriction to the spinal canal, resulting in a neurological deficit. Symptoms include pain, numbness, paraesthesia, and loss of motor control.
Term
Degenerative Disc Disease
Definition
Degeneration of one or more intervertebral disc(s) of the spine. A condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life. A disease of aging, and though for most people is not a problem, in certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe chronic pain if left untreated.
Term
Clavicle Fracture
Definition
A bone fracture in the collarbone. It is often caused by a fall onto an outstretched upper extremity, a fall onto a shoulder, or a direct blow to the clavicle. Many research projects are underway regarding the medical healing process of clavicle fractures.
Term
Shoulder Subluxation/Dislocation
Definition
occurs when the humerus separates from the scapula at the glenohumeral joint. The shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body and as a result is particularly susceptible to dislocation and subluxation.
Term
Tennis Elbow/Lateral Epicondylitis
Definition
A condition in which the outer part of the elbow becomes sore and tender. It is commonly caused by non-inflammatory, chronic degenerative changes (Enthesopathy) in the tendon that attaches the forearm muscle extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) to the elbow. It is most prevalent in middle age.
Term
Tendonitis
Definition
Inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. In many cases, tendinosis (tendon degeneration) is also present.
Term
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Definition
A condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve in the wrist that allows feeling and movement to parts of the hand. Can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.
Term
De Quervain’s Syndrome
Definition
A tenosynovitis of the sheath or tunnel that surrounds two tendons that control movement of the thumb.
Term
Sprain
Definition
An injury in a joint, caused by the ligament being stretched beyond its own capacity. A muscular tear caused in the same manner is referred to as a strain. In cases where either ligament or muscle tissue is torn, immobilization and surgical repair may be necessary. Ligaments are tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones. Can occur in any joint but are most common in the ankle and wrist.
Term
Strain
Definition
An injury to a muscle or tendon in which the muscle fibers tear as a result of overstretching. A strain is Also colloquially known as a pulled muscle. The equivalent injury to a ligament is a sprain.
Term
Osteoporosis
Definition
A disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to fracture. Usually the bone loses density, which measures the amount of calcium and minerals in the bone.
Term
Osteoarthritis/Degenrative Joint Disease
Definition
A group of mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of joints,[1] including articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Symptoms may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and sometimes an effusion. A variety of causes—hereditary, developmental, metabolic, and mechanical deficits—may initiate processes leading to loss of cartilage. When bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, bone may be exposed and damaged. As a result of decreased movement secondary to pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax.
Term
Stenosis
Definition
An abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure. It is also sometimes called a stricture (as in urethral stricture). The term coarctation is a synonym, but is commonly used only in the context of aortic coarctation.
Term
Low Back Pain
Definition
A common disorder involving the muscles and bones of the back. It affects about 40% of people at some point in their lives. May be classified by duration as acute (pain lasting less than 6 weeks), sub-chronic (6 to 12 weeks), or chronic (more than 12 weeks). The condition may be further classified by the underlying cause as either mechanical, non-mechanical, or referred pain.
Term
Herniated Disc
Definition
A medical condition affecting the spine in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) of an intervertebral disc (discus intervertebralis) allows the soft, central portion (nucleus pulposus) to bulge out beyond the damaged outer rings. Disc herniation is usually due to age related degeneration of the annulus fibrosus, although trauma, lifting injuries, or straining have been implicated. Tears are almost always postero-lateral in nature owing to the presence of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the spinal canal.[1] This tear in the disc ring may result in the release of inflammatory chemical mediators which may directly cause severe pain, even in the absence of nerve root compression.
Term
Laminectomy syndrome
Definition
Chronic back and/or leg pain that occurs after back (spinal) surgery, usually after laminectomy. It is characterized as a chronic pain syndrome. Multiple factors can contribute to the onset or development. Contributing factors include but are not limited to residual or recurrent disc herniation, persistent post-operative pressure on a spinal nerve, altered joint mobility, joint hypermobility with instability, scar tissue (fibrosis), depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and spinal muscular deconditioning. An individual may be predisposed to the development due to systemic disorders such as diabetes, autoimmune disease and peripheral blood vessels (vascular) disease.
Term
Anterior compression fracture
Definition
A collapse of a vertebra. It may be due to trauma or due to a weakening of the vertebra. This weakening is seen in patients with osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta, lytic lesions from metastatic or primary tumors, or infection. In healthy patients it is most often seen in individuals suffering extreme vertical shocks, such as ejecting from an ejection seat. Seen in lateral views in plain x-ray films, compression fractures of the spine characteristically appear as wedge deformities, with greater loss of height anteriorly than posteriorly and intact pedicles in the anteroposterior view.
Term
Spondylolysis
Definition
a defect of a vertebra. More specifically it is defined as a defect in the pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch. The great majority of cases occur in the lowest of the lumbar vertebrae (L5), but spondylolysis may also occur in the other lumbar vertebrae, as well as in the thoracic vertebrae.
Spondylolysis occurs in three to six percent of the population.
Term
Spondylolisthesis
Definition
A condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the spine slips out of the proper position onto the bone below it.
Term
Kyphosis
Definition
A curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.
Term
Diabetes mellitus
Definition
a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (Type I), or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced (Type II).
Term
Venous Insufficiency
Definition
A medical condition where the veins cannot pump enough oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. It is sometimes referred to as an "impaired musculovenous pump", due to damaged or "incompetent" valves as may occur after deep vein thrombosis (when the disease is called postthrombotic syndrome) or phlebitis. Ordinarily, women make up the largest demographic for this problem. Paratroopers, utility pole linemen, and men with leg injuries can suffer from damaged leg vein valves and develop this condition.
Term
Deep vein thrombosis
Definition
The formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, predominantly in the legs. Non-specific signs may include pain, swelling, redness, warmness, and engorged superficial veins. Pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening complication, is caused by the detachment (embolization) of a clot that travels to the lungs.
Term
Lymphedema
Definition
A condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The lymphatic system returns the interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct and then to the bloodstream, where it is recirculated back to the tissues.
Term
Leg length discrepancy
Definition
A medical condition where the legs are of different lengths.
Term
Chondromalacia (Patellofemoral syndrome)
Definition
Inflammation of the underside of the patella and softening of the cartilage. More accurately referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome. The cartilage under your kneecap is a natural shock absorber, and overuse, injury, and many other factors can cause increased deterioration and break down of the cartilage. The cartilage is no longer smooth and therefore movement and use is painful. While it often affects young individuals engaged in active sports it also afflicts older adults who overwork their knees.
Term
Patellar Subluxation
Definition
A kneecap that does not slide centrally within its groove. Depending on the severity, this improper tracking may not cause the patient any problems, or it may lead to dislocation of the patella (where the kneecap fully comes out of the groove). Most commonly, the tracking problem causes discomfort with activity, and pain around the sides of the kneecap. The condition usually affects adolescent, and sometimes younger children.
Term
Osgood Schlatter’s disease
Definition
An irritation of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity. It is characterized by painful lumps just below the knee and is most often seen in young adolescents. Risk factors may include overzealous conditioning (running and jumping), but adolescent bone growth is at the root of it.
Term
Anterior Cruciate Insufficiency
Definition
The tearing of the anterior cruciate (KROO-she-ate) ligament, or ACL, inside the knee joint. An ACL injury most commonly occurs during sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction — such as basketball, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
Term
Posterior Cruciate Insufficiency
Definition
Tearing of the posterior cruciate ligament.
Term
Medial Collateral Insufficiency
Definition
Can be very painful and is caused by a valgus stress to a slightly bent knee, often when landing, bending or on high impact. It may be difficult to apply pressure on the injured leg for at least a few days.
Term
Lateral Collateral Insufficiency
Definition
An injury to the ligament on the outer side of the knee. Can be a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the ligament. Usually injured by pressure or an injury that pushes the knee joint from the inside, which results in stress on the outside part of the joint.
Term
Meniscus Tear
Definition
a tear in the shock-absorbing cartilage of the knee.
Term
Bursitis
Definition
the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a muscles, tendons, and joints.
Term
Plantar Fasciitis
Definition
Inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.
Term
Heel Spur
Definition
A small osteophyte located on the calcaneus
Term
Ulcer (Derma)
Definition
a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane, accompanied by the disintegration of tissue. Can result in complete loss of the epidermis and often portions of the dermis and even subcutaneous fat.
Term
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Definition
Occurs when the posterior tibial tendon becomes inflamed or torn. As a result, the tendon may not be able to provide stability and support for the arch of the foot, resulting in flatfoot.
Term
Peripheral Neuropathy
Definition
damage or disease of nerves of the peripheral nervous system. It may affect sensation, movement, gland or organ function, and other aspects of health, depending on the type of nerve affected. Common causes include systemic diseases (such as diabetes or leprosy), vitamin deficiency, medication (e.g., chemotherapy), traumatic injury, excessive alcohol consumption, immune system disease or infection, or it may be inherited (present from birth).
Term
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Definition
Tear of the tendon of the posterior leg that serves to attach the plantaris, gastrocnemius (calf) and soleus muscles to the calcaneus (heel) bone.
Term
Metatarsal/Midfoot Fracture
Definition
Fracture of one or more of the long bones in the foot. The most common traumatic foot injuries. Can be caused by direct trauma, excessive rotational forces or overuse.
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