Ödem

An accumulation of water in body tissue

Oligoarticular

Means only affecting a few joints

Orthesis

External stabilisation aid with splints and mobile elements for the stabilisation and guidance of joints (when there is a lack of muscle guidance)

Ortho

Prefix for straight, upright, in a straight direction

Orthopaedist

Physician who specialises in orthopaedics

Orthopaedics

Science of the development, prevention and treatment of congenital or acquired malfunctions or diseases in the form and function of the musculoskeletal system

Os

Latin for bone

-ose

Suffix that describes a long-lasting, gradually developing disease, i.e. a chronic disease, e.g. arthrosis

Ossary

Pertaining to the bone

Ossification

New formation of bone, even where it is misplaced, e.g. in muscle or capsule tissue after a hip operation

Osteochondrosis

A degeneration of the bone and the cartilage

Osteolysis

Dissolution or degeneration of bone tissue

Osteomyelitis

A bacterial inflammation of the bone

Osteon

Greek for bone

Osteophytes

(Bone spurs); these are localised and formations of extra bone at the edges of the joint, often inhibiting mobility, a typical sign of arthrosis

Osteoporosis

Loss of bone mass and density; this can be caused by old-age, medicines or disease and is accompanied by increasing brittleness (loss of stability).

Osteosynthesis

The treatment of bone fractures through surgery. The bone parts that have been separated by the fracture are placed back together again without any gaps and joined by screws, nails or plates

Osteotomy

Surgical procedure to correct dislocated bones

Oscillating

Vibrating, swinging, swaying