Musculoskeletal System Procedures Flashcards
Rheumatologist
“To study the flux of fluids.” It treat joint diseases such as the various forms of arthritis. Inflamed joints accumulate “fluid” and swell among other signs and symptoms. This medical sub specialty also evaluates and treats osteoporosis, tendonitis, gout and lupus among other chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders.
Orthopedist
A surgical sub specialty that in the past devoted much of its time to treating musculoskeletal deformities in children. Now with improved prenatal diagnosis and better nutrition, it still treat children with spine and limb deformities but also adults with complicated bone fractures, damaged tendons or ligaments, or needing surgery to replace a damaged hip or knee joint.
Osteopath/osteopathic physician (D.O.)
The name sounds like a specialty limited to bone disease, but actually, they are one of two arms of the medical profession that differ in history and philosophy. D.O.s make use of osteopathic manipulation along with medication, surgery and all other medical treatments used by M.D. physicians. Also, preventive care has always been a major emphasis of osteopathic care.
Podiatrists
Traditionally known as “foot doctor,” are surgical sub specialty in diseases and structural problems of the feet.
Physical therapist
This health care professional has at least two years of specialized training beyond a college degree. PTs are rehabilitation specialists tarting a multitude of medical problems including patients recovering from joint surgery, limb amputation, a stroke, heart attack and suffering with chronic neuromuscular diseases.
Arthroscopy
A fiberoptic instrument is introduced into a joint cavity in order to visualize surfaces of bones entering into a joint, find tears in internal joint structures and evaluate sources of inflammation.
Bone scan
A radioactive element in very small amounts is introduced into the blood stream. The specially selected element accumulates in bone and using a much more sophisticated version of the old Geiger Counter instrument, the distribution of the element is used to diagnose potential bone tumors among other bone pathologies.
Electromyography
A recording of muscle electrical activity. Fine needles are introduced into muscles in order to make recordings of contractile activity. This procedure is useful in evaluating causes of paralysis, diagnosing muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.
Muscle biopsy
Cutting out a small tissue sample of muscle in order to examine it under a microscope. This procedure can be useful in diagnosing muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.
