If you’ve ever had an injury, seen a doctor about joint pain, or read a medical report, you’ve probably come across some orthopedic terms and abbreviations that left you scratching your head. At Oxford Ortho, we want to help you understand your care, so here’s a quick guide to some of the most common orthopedic terms you might hear in our office.

Common Orthopedic Terms

• Fracture – A break in a bone. Fractures can range from a small crack (stress fracture) to a complete break.
• Sprain – An injury to a ligament (the tissue that connects bones) caused by stretching or tearing.
• Strain – A muscle or tendon (the tissue that connects muscle to bone) injury from overuse or overstretching.
• Dislocation – When a bone moves out of its normal position in a joint.
• Cartilage – A smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions joints and helps them move smoothly.
• Tendonitis – Inflammation of a tendon, often due to overuse.
• Bursitis – Inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction in joints.
• Arthritis – Inflammation of a joint, often causing pain and stiffness. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear.
• Rotator Cuff – A group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that help with movement and stability.
• Meniscus – A C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that helps cushion and stabilize the joint.

Common Orthopedic Abbreviations

• ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) – A major ligament in the knee that helps with stability. ACL injuries are common in athletes.
• MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) – A ligament on the inside of the knee that helps stabilize it.
• LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) – A ligament on the outside of the knee that provides stability.
• PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) – Another important ligament in the knee that prevents backward movement of the shinbone.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – A type of scan that uses magnets to take detailed pictures of the body’s soft tissues, like muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• X-ray – A common imaging test that shows bones and can help detect fractures and arthritis.
• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – A type of medication (like ibuprofen or naproxen) that reduces pain and swelling.
• PT (Physical Therapy) – A treatment focused on movement, strength, and recovery after an injury or surgery.
• WB (Weight Bearing) – A term used to describe how much weight you can put on an injured limb. You might hear terms like NWB (Non-Weight Bearing), PWB (Partial Weight Bearing), or FWB (Full Weight Bearing).

Why Understanding These Terms Matters

Knowing these common terms and abbreviations can help you feel more confident and informed about your care. At Oxford Ortho, we believe that patient education is an important part of recovery. If you ever have questions about a term or your treatment, don’t hesitate to ask. Our team is here to help!

If you’re experiencing pain or have questions about your orthopedic health, call Oxford Ortho today to schedule an appointment at one of our clinics in Oxford, Batesville, Grenada, Calhoun City, Hernando, and Tupelo.