Orthopaedics · Musculoskeletal System · Medium
Capsulitis
Meaning: Inflammation of the fibrous envelope around a joint; the adhesive form causes progressive painful stiffness, as in frozen shoulder.
In practice: The shoulder passes through freezing, frozen and thawing phases, with external rotation usually the most restricted movement.
Word parts
- -itis means inflammation
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related orthopaedics words.
Which word means: Cup-shaped socket on the lateral pelvis that articulates with the femoral head.
Answer: Acetabulum
Which word means: Forward angulation of the femoral neck relative to the femoral condyles.
Answer: Anteversion
Words like capsulitis come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.