FAQ: Definitions

A ligament is an elastic band of tissue that connects bone to bone and provides stability to the joint.

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscle to bone.

The word arthritis literally means “joint inflammation.” Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that damages the lining surrounding our joints while also destroying our bones, tissue, and joints over time. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that slowly damages the cartilage surrounding the ends of bones and is common in the hip, knee, or spine.

Bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac located around a joint. Bursitis causes a reduction in or a loss of motion at the affected joint. Bursitis typically occurs in the heel, hip, knee, shoulder, or thumb.

Tendonitis, medically known as tendinitis, is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Chronic strain, overuse, or misuse of a tendon leading to a repetitive stress injury, or a serious acute injury can lead to a weakness, tear, or swelling of the tendon tissue, resulting in pain and stiffness near the tendon. Tendonitis usually occurs in the elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, thumb, or wrist, but it can occur anywhere there is a tendon.

A bone density test is used to diagnose osteoporosis, which is a disease that causes weakening of the bones that can ultimately result in fractures. In the past, osteoporosis could only be detected after a person’s bone broke; however, by using a bone density test, it is possible to know one’s individual risk of breaking bones before one breaks.

A bone density test uses X-rays to measure the amount of calcium and other bone mineral packed into the segment of bone. Common areas that are tested using a bone density scan include the spine, hip, and forearm.

A computed tomography (CT) scan, also known as a CAT scan, produces images that are similar in detail and in quality to an MRI; however, the CT scan takes a 360-degree picture of internal organs and the spine and vertebrae. CT scans provide cross-sectional views of the body and provide clearer imaging than an MRI.

Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound is a fast, noninvasive imaging tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves — without radiation or contrast dye. Unlike MRI, ultrasound allows physicians to evaluate structures dynamically while the patient moves, helping pinpoint the exact source of pain or dysfunction during the same office visit. Available as either a focused limited exam or a comprehensive full diagnostic evaluation, it is commonly used to assess conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, tendon tears, bursitis, muscle strains, and ligament sprains, and can also improve the accuracy of injections and other sports medicine procedures.

Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly referred to as an MRI, is an advanced technology that uses magnetic fields and radio waves (like microwaves and the AM and FM bands on your radio) to visualize the inner workings of the body.

The pictures produced by MRI help the radiologist clearly and accurately detect and define the differences between healthy and diseased tissues, especially in the soft tissues. It can reveal many health problems at their earliest, most treatable stages.

An X-ray is a procedure performed that uses a safe form of radiation to provide a two-dimensional picture of your body to use as a screening tool to evaluate for causes of many common disorders, such as bone breaks, joint and spine injuries or conditions, and arthritis or osteoporosis.

Arthroscopic surgery is a surgical procedure that is commonly performed to diagnose and treat problems within the joint. By using high-tech cameras, the orthopedic surgeon inserts a small instrument, called an arthroscope, into the joint.

The arthroscope contains a fiber optic light source and small television camera that allow the surgeon to view the joint on a television monitor and diagnose the problem, determine the extent of injury, and make any necessary repairs.

Corticosteroids, more commonly referred to as cortisone, is a steroid that is produced in the body naturally. Synthetically produced cortisone can also be injected into soft tissues and joints to help decrease inflammation.

While cortisone is not a pain reliever, pain may diminish as a result of reduced inflammation. In orthopedics, cortisone injections are commonly used as a treatment for chronic conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis (medically referred to as tendinitis), and arthritis to reduce swelling, pain, and joint stiffness.

A fusion is a procedure in which bones are fused together with bone grafts and internal devices (such as metal rods and screws) to heal into a single solid bone.

Internal fixation is a treatment to hold pieces of a broken bone in the correct position with metal plates, pins, or screws while the bone is healing.

Joint replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to replace an arthritic or damaged joint with a new, artificial joint, called a prosthesis. Joint replacements can be performed on every joint in the body, but they are most commonly performed on the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow.

Joints contain cartilage, a soft, rubbery gel-like coating on the ends of bones, where they articulate, that protects joints and facilitates movement and over time, or if the joint has been injured, the cartilage wears away and the bones of the joint start rubbing together. As the bones rub together, bone spurs may form, and the joint becomes stiff and painful. Most people have joint replacement surgery when they can no longer control the pain with medication and other treatments and the pain is significantly interfering with their lives.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are non-prescription, over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. They are popular treatments for muscular aches and pains as well as arthritis and help in reducing swelling, pain, and joint stiffness.

Osteotomy is a procedure to correct bone deformity by cutting and repositioning the bone.

An outpatient surgery is a surgery that does not require the patient to stay in the hospital overnight; it is commonly known as an ambulatory surgery. Outpatient surgery has grown in popularity due to the improvement in technology.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatment that uses a concentrated form of a patient’s own blood to help stimulate healing and recovery. During the procedure, a small blood sample is drawn, processed to concentrate the platelets — which contain natural growth factors and proteins that repair injured tissues — and injected into the treatment area. PRP may help reduce pain and support healing for certain acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, offering patients a natural option with minimal downtime and low risk of side effects.

Soft tissue repair is a treatment to mend or fix soft tissues, such as tendons or ligaments.

The TENEX Health TX® procedure is a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided treatment for chronic tendon pain that removes damaged tissue through a tiny 3mm incision — without traditional surgery. Performed as an outpatient procedure in minutes using local anesthetic, TENEX may be an option for patients whose symptoms have not improved with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or injections. It requires no stitches, little downtime, and most patients return to normal activities within 6–12 weeks. TENEX may help treat a range of tendon conditions including rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and more.

Ultrasound-guided injections are a minimally invasive treatment that uses real-time imaging to help physicians accurately deliver medication or therapy directly to a targeted area, improving precision and reducing the risk of affecting surrounding tissues. By visualizing muscles, tendons, joints, and nearby structures during the procedure, this approach may help reduce pain, inflammation, and recovery time. Ultrasound-guided injections may be recommended when rest, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief, and can be used to treat a range of conditions including arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, chronic joint pain, tendon injuries, and ganglion cysts.

The general rule of thumb is to use ice in the acute stage of an injury (within the first 24 – 48 hours), or whenever swelling is showing. Ice helps to reduce inflammation and swelling by decreasing blood flow to the area that is injured. The general guideline is to apply ice indirectly (not directly on the skin) for 20 minutes, remove the ice for at least 20 minutes, and repeat as necessary.

Heat is used to increase blood flow, which helps promote pain relief after inflammation and swelling subside. Heat is also used to assist in warming muscles up prior to exercise, any physical activity, or physical therapy.