Orthopaedics · Skeletal System · Medium
Spondylosis
Meaning: Age-related degeneration of the spine, with disc narrowing and osteophyte formation.
In practice: Almost everyone shows radiographic cervical changes by 50, and many are completely symptom-free.
Word parts
- spondyl- means vertebra
- -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 orthopaedics words.
Which word means: Inflammation of the fibrous envelope around a joint; the adhesive form causes progressive painful stiffness, as in frozen shoulder.
Answer: Capsulitis
Which word means: Cup-shaped socket on the lateral pelvis that articulates with the femoral head.
Answer: Acetabulum
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