Orthopaedics · Musculoskeletal System · Easy

Osteoarthritis

Meaning: A degenerative joint disease in which cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness and bony changes.

In practice: Her knee osteoarthritis was managed with exercise, weight loss and simple painkillers.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related orthopaedics words.

Which word means: An excessive outward curve of the upper spine, causing a hunched back.

Which word means: Flat bony projection at the lateral end of the scapular spine that forms the roof of the shoulder.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.