Orthopaedics · Musculoskeletal System · Hard
Osteomyelitis
Meaning: A bone infection, usually caused by bacteria.
In practice: Osteomyelitis requires prolonged antibiotic treatment and sometimes surgery.
Word parts
- osteo- means bone
- -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: An excessive outward curve of the upper spine, causing a hunched back.
Answer: Kyphosis
Which word means: A degenerative condition of a tendon, often causing pain and swelling.
Answer: Tendinopathy
Words like osteomyelitis come up in the daily game
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