Imaging & Radiology · Skeletal System · Hard
Hyperostosis
Meaning: Excessive growth of bone, such as the flowing spinal ossification seen in DISH.
In practice: In DISH, flowing ossification along at least four contiguous vertebrae spares the disc spaces and sacroiliac joints.
Word parts
- hyper- means above or more than normal
- -osis means an abnormal condition or process
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 imaging & radiology words.
Which word means: Resembling cartilage; describes a lesion matrix showing ring-and-arc or popcorn calcification.
Answer: Chondroid
Which word means: An imaging study of a joint using contrast dye to highlight structures.
Answer: Arthrogram
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