Glossary of Terms

Ambulate – Walking

Anti-inflammatory – Arthritis medication

Arthrodesis – The surgical fixation of a joint, ultimately resulting in bone fusion, performed to relieve pain or provide support in a diseased or injured joint.

Arthroplasty – The surgical reconstruction or replacement of a malformed or degenerated joint.

Articular – Relating to a joint or joints: the articular surfaces of bones.

Bone Bank – A service that removes bone from tissue donors and processes the bone for use in recipients.

Bone Graft – A piece of bone either taken directly from the patient or the bone bank used to fuse together two existing pieces of bone.

Bursa - Small fluid-filled sac or saclike cavity situated in places where friction would otherwise occur; ie. knee, shoulder, elbow, & hip.

Carpal Tunnel – A compartment in the wrist through which various tendons and the median nerve must travel on their way from the forearm to the hand.

CCPPO – Coordinated Care PPO – A network of physicians coordinated by the insurance carrier.

Closed Reduction – The setting of a broken bone by manipulation, without surgically exposing the fracture through an incision.

COB – Coordination of Benefits – The coordination of coverage between two insurance companies for one patient.

Co-Insurance – Percentage due from the patient after insurance has processed and issued payment on a claim.

Co-Pay – The fixed dollar amount that may be collected from the patient.

Decompression – Opening of the space around a nerve

Discectomy – Excision, in part or whole, of the disk that separates the vertebrae.

Epidural Injection – The injection of a drug (usually cortisone) into the space between the bone of the spinal column and the soft tissue portion of the spinal canal.

EOB – Explanation of Benefits. Documentation provided by your insurance carrier of a claim that was processed showing date of service, billed amount and pain amount.

Fracture – A crack or break in a bone as a result of an injury. (See pathologic fracture)

Labrum - An edge, rim, or lip. In a shoulder the labrum is a rim of cartilage.

MRI – Abbreviation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. - An imaging study which utilizes a strong magnetic field and a computer system to produce a view of internal body parts.

NPO – Nothing By Mouth. No liquid or solids to be taken by mouth.

Open Reduction – The setting of a broken bone while directly viewing the break and positioning the fragments of bone in their proper position.

Pathologic Fracture – A break in a bone that develops without a fall or any trauma sufficient to cause the injury.

Participating Provider – A physician who is enrolled in a network of physicians associated with a particular health plan.

PCP – Primary Care Physician. The patient’s primary or family physician

Physiatrist – A physician whose primary focus is restoring function by treating musculoskeletal problems, including acute and chronic pain.

PRN – A term used in medicine to mean "as necessary".

Referral – In relation to medical insurance, referral means authorization from the patient’s PCP to seek treatment from a specialist.

Rehabilitation – The process of restoring a person’s ability to live and work as normally as possible following a disabling injury or illness.

Sciatica – Pain in the buttock, back of the thigh, or in the leg or foot, following the course of the branches of the sciatic nerve.

Sprain – A tear or stretching in a ligament, resulting in pain and swelling.

Steroid Dose Pack – A prescription of steroids that tapers in quantity for six days.

Tarsal Tunnel – A compartment located at the inside of the ankle through which passes one of the larger nerves as it travels to the foot.

TPA – Third Party Administrator. The insurance company who issues payment for services rendered.

Vertebrae – Any of the bones or cartilaginous segments forming the spinal column