Skeletal System: Vocabulary: Videos & Practice Problems

Understanding skeletal system medical terms is essential, including conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, genu valgum (knock-knees), genu varum (bow-legged), gout, and rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency. Key anatomical terms include hallux (big toe) and acetabulum (hip socket). Common fractures include comminuted, compound, compression, greenstick, oblique, and transverse fractures. Medical procedures such as reduction (realigning bone fragments), traction (continuous pulling force), spinal fusion, DEXA scans for bone density, CT scans, and MRI use advanced imaging to diagnose and treat skeletal disorders effectively.

Medical Terms Concept 1

The skeletal system encompasses various medical terms that describe both pathological conditions and types of fractures affecting bones and joints. One common autoimmune disorder is rheumatoid arthritis, characterized by chronic joint inflammation due to the immune system attacking the body's tissues. Understanding rheumatoid involves recognizing its impact on joint health and inflammation.

Conditions affecting leg alignment include genu valgum and genu varum. Genu valgum, often called "knock-knees," occurs when the knees touch but the ankles remain apart. This can be visualized as if chewing gum is stuck between the knees, causing them to stick together while the ankles spread apart. Conversely, genu varum, or "bow-leggedness," features knees that angle outward while the ankles stay close together, resembling the stance of a cowboy sitting on a barrel. These two conditions represent opposite deviations in leg alignment and can affect gait and posture.

Gout is a form of acute arthritis primarily caused by dietary factors, leading to inflammation in the foot joints. It results from the accumulation of uric acid crystals, causing sudden and severe pain. Recognizing gout is essential for managing joint health and dietary habits.

Rickets is a disease marked by weak and soft bones due to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone mineralization, and insufficient exposure to sunlight or inadequate dietary intake can lead to this condition. Rickets often manifests in children, causing bone deformities and impaired growth.

The term hallux refers to the big toe or great toe, a key structure in maintaining balance and supporting body weight during movement. The acetabulum is the cup-shaped socket in the pelvis that forms the hip joint, allowing for a wide range of leg motion. This socket's shape is vital for joint stability and mobility.

Symphysis describes a type of joint where two bones are connected by fibrocartilage, providing both strength and slight flexibility. This joint type is found in areas such as the pubic symphysis, which supports pelvic stability.

Bone fractures vary in type and severity. A comminuted fracture involves the bone breaking into two or more fragments, often due to high-impact trauma. A compound fracture is characterized by the bone breaking through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and requiring immediate medical attention. Compression fractures result from pressure causing the bone to collapse or shorten, commonly seen in spinal injuries.

Greenstick fractures are incomplete breaks typically occurring in children, where the bone bends and cracks but does not break entirely, similar to a young, flexible tree branch snapping partially. Oblique fractures occur at an angle across the bone, while transverse fractures are complete breaks straight across the bone, dividing it into two separate pieces.

Understanding these terms and their associated conditions enhances comprehension of skeletal system pathologies and injuries. Recognizing the nature of each fracture type and skeletal disorder aids in diagnosis, treatment planning, and effective communication within medical contexts.

Medical Terms Example 1

A greenstick fracture is a type of incomplete fracture where the bone bends and cracks on only one side, rather than breaking completely. This kind of fracture is most common in children because their bones are still soft and flexible, making them more susceptible to bending injuries. When evaluating patients with injuries, age is a crucial factor in determining the likelihood of a greenstick fracture.

For example, among patients with similar injuries, a young child is the most probable candidate for a greenstick fracture due to the immaturity of their bones. Symptoms such as visible swelling and pain in the affected limb can indicate the presence of this type of fracture. In contrast, adults and older individuals are more likely to experience complete fractures or other bone injuries, especially if they have underlying conditions like osteoporosis or brittle bone syndrome.

Understanding the nature of greenstick fractures helps in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering patient age and injury characteristics in clinical assessments.

An 8-year-old child is taken to an orthopedic clinic by his parents because of concerns with his gait. They tell the doctor that when he walks his knees seem to bump into one another. Which of the following choices identifies the child’s condition and his leg alignments?

• A. Genu varum; the knees angled inward, towards the midline of the body.
• B. Genu valgum; the knees angled outward, away from the midline of the body. 
• C. Genu varum; the knees angled outward, away from the midline of the body. 
• D. Genu valgum; the knees angled inward, towards the midline of the body.

Answer: (D)

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a comminuted fracture?

• A. Bone fragments that become exposed to the outside environment.
• B. The bones are broken into 3 or more pieces because of a traumatic event.
• C. A bone fragment is broken off from the rest of the bone at a tendon. 
• D. The bone is broken straight across at an acute angle to the length of the bone.

Answer: (B)

A radiologist ordered a radiograph for a biker’s left leg after he sustained an injury from an accident. The image showed a complete fracture of the tibia bone. There was no visible bone protrusion. The fracture line cuts across the bone in a straight line that runs horizontally to the long axis of the bone. Based on this description, what type of fracture did the radiologist see?

• A. Transverse
• B. Oblique
• C. Comminuted
• D. Compound

Answer: (A)

Medical Procedures Concept 2

Understanding medical terminology related to surgical and diagnostic procedures of the skeletal system is essential for grasping how bone injuries and conditions are treated and diagnosed. One fundamental procedure is reduction, which involves the realignment of bone fragments after a fracture. Despite its name, reduction does not mean decreasing the size but rather reducing the separation between broken bones to restore their proper position. This process is crucial for healing, even though the bones may not return to their exact original state.

Traction is another key procedure that applies a continuous pulling force to a body part, typically using weights or devices, to maintain proper alignment of bones during healing. The concept can be remembered by associating traction with a tractor pulling, emphasizing the steady force applied to realign the skeletal structure.

Spinal fusion is a surgical technique that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the spine using hardware such as screws. This fusion stabilizes the spine but results in reduced mobility between the fused bones, balancing stability with flexibility.

For diagnostic purposes, a DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) measures bone density using low-dose X-rays, primarily to detect osteoporosis. The term DEXA can be recalled by thinking "Don't Expect X-rays Absorbed," highlighting the minimal radiation exposure involved.

Computerized Tomography (CT) scans utilize X-ray technology combined with computer processing to produce detailed cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of internal structures. This advanced imaging technique allows for precise visualization of bones and surrounding tissues, aiding in accurate diagnosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) employs radio waves within a strong magnetic field to generate detailed images of the body's internal structures, including bones and soft tissues. Unlike CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation but requires caution due to the powerful magnets involved, especially concerning metal implants or devices. Patients are typically screened for metal objects before undergoing an MRI to ensure safety.

These procedures and diagnostic tools are integral to modern skeletal system care, combining mechanical realignment techniques with sophisticated imaging technologies to diagnose, treat, and monitor bone health effectively.

Medical Procedures Example 2

A primary goal of a spinal fusion procedure is to mitigate painful motion by permanently joining multiple vertebrae. This surgical technique involves fusing bone pieces together to decrease movement between the affected vertebrae, thereby providing greater spinal stability. Unlike procedures aimed at increasing flexibility or replacing vertebral discs, spinal fusion intentionally reduces mobility to alleviate pain caused by unstable or damaged spinal segments. It does not involve inserting artificial discs or compressing the spinal cord; instead, it enhances overall spinal stability by eliminating motion at the fused segments. This approach is particularly effective in treating conditions where excessive vertebral movement leads to discomfort or neurological symptoms.

A doctor needs a comprehensive scan of a patient’s tissues which include the brain, spinal cord and muscles. The 89-year-old patient suffered a heart blockage decades ago and had a nickel-based cardiovascular stent implanted. Based on their medical history, which of the following body scans would be least ideal? (Hint: Think of attractive and repulsive forces that affect metals.)

• A. DEXA Scan
• B. CT Scan
• C. Spinal Fusion
• D. MRI Scan

Answer: (D)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the differences between genu valgum and genu varum in skeletal system terminology?

Genu valgum and genu varum are terms describing specific knee alignments. Genu valgum, commonly known as knock-knees, is a condition where the knees touch but the ankles remain apart. Imagine chewing gum stuck between the knees, causing them to stick together while the ankles spread apart. Conversely, genu varum, or bow-leggedness, is when the knees angle outward, away from each other, but the ankles touch. Think of a cowboy sitting on a barrel, causing the legs to bow outward. These conditions represent opposite orientations of leg alignment and are important in diagnosing skeletal abnormalities.

What types of bone fractures are common in the skeletal system, and how are they characterized?

Several types of bone fractures are common in the skeletal system, each with distinct characteristics. A comminuted fracture involves the bone breaking into two or more pieces. A compound fracture is severe, where the broken bone pierces through the skin. Compression fractures occur due to pressure, causing bone collapse or shortening, often seen in the spine. Greenstick fractures are incomplete breaks typical in children, where the bone bends and partially breaks like a green twig. Oblique fractures break the bone at an angle, while transverse fractures are complete breaks straight across the bone. Understanding these types helps in diagnosis and treatment planning.

How do medical procedures like reduction and traction help in treating skeletal fractures?

Reduction and traction are key medical procedures used to treat skeletal fractures. Reduction involves realigning broken bone fragments to their proper position, effectively reducing the gap between them. Despite the name, it does not mean decreasing the size but restoring alignment. Traction applies a continuous pulling force to a body part, often using weights or devices, to maintain proper bone alignment during healing. Think of a tractor pulling to realign bones. Both procedures aim to ensure bones heal correctly, minimizing deformities and restoring function.

What is the role of imaging techniques like DEXA scans, CT scans, and MRI in diagnosing skeletal system conditions?

Imaging techniques are crucial for diagnosing skeletal system conditions. DEXA scans measure bone density using low-dose X-rays, primarily to detect osteoporosis. CT scans provide cross-sectional and 3D images using X-ray technology, offering detailed views of bone structures and fractures. MRI uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce detailed images of bones and soft tissues without radiation exposure. MRI is especially useful for detecting soft tissue injuries and abnormalities. These imaging methods help clinicians accurately diagnose conditions and plan appropriate treatments.

What causes rickets, and how does vitamin D deficiency affect the skeletal system?

Rickets is a disease characterized by weak and soft bones, primarily caused by vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, which is critical for healthy bone formation. Without enough vitamin D, bones become soft and prone to deformities. Lack of sun exposure, which helps the body produce vitamin D, is a common cause. Symptoms include bone pain, delayed growth, and skeletal deformities. Ensuring adequate vitamin D intake through diet or sunlight is vital for maintaining strong bones and preventing rickets.