Chapter 13: Skeletal and Muscular Systems Common Diagnostic Terms

Question 1

Antinuclear antibody (ANA)

Answer 1

Test to detect the presence of autoantibodies that may suggest an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis

Question 2

Arthrography

Answer 2

Radiological examination of a joint after injection of a contrast fluid into the joint space

Question 3

Bone marrow aspiration

Answer 3

Removal of a bone marrow specimen from the cortex of a flat bone for analysis

Question 4

Bone scan

Answer 4

Use of a gamma camera to detect abnormalities in bone density after injection of radioactive material

Question 5

C-reactive protein (CRP)

Answer 5

Test to detect or monitor inflammatory conditions

Question 6

Creatine kinase (CK)

Answer 6

Test to measure isoenzyme that skeletal and cardiac muscles release into the blood when they are damaged

Question 7

Cryotherapy

Answer 7

Application of cold, such as with ice compresses, to decrease inflammation and pain

Question 8

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)

Answer 8

Radiological evaluation of bone density to detect osteoporosis

Question 9

Electromyogram (EMG)

Answer 9

Record of skeletal-muscle electrical activity; used to diagnose neuromuscular disorders

Question 10

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, sed rate)

Answer 10

Rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube of unclotted blood; an elevated ESR indicates inflammation

Question 11

Rheumatoid factor

Answer 11

Blood test used to identify rheumatoid arthritis and other disorders

Question 12

Total hip replacement (THR)

Answer 12

Procedure to replace an arthritic hip with a prosthetic device to restore mobility and function; also referred to as total hip arthroplasty

Question 13

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Answer 13

Delivery of a mild electrical current to a painful area, to disrupt transmission of pain signals between the body and brain