Allows patients to position their backs at an angle to their legs.

The study of the structure of an organism, its systems and the functional interactions between these systems.

A common term usually referring to the upper ankle joint. Three bones come together to form the upper portion of the ankle joint. The outer and inner bones of the ankle (the lower ends of the fibula and tibia, respectively) form what is known as the ankle mortise, a fork-like structure in which the ankle bone (talus) rests.

Medical term: Humerus.

A process during which an arthroscope is used to examine and simultaneously perform surgery in the interior of a joint.

The bones forming a joint are coated with a layer of cartilage that is not visible on x-rays. What appears is a gap between the bones which typically narrows as a result of osteoarthritis.

In medicine, the term fracture denotes a broken bone caused by external forces, such as a fall on the forearm.

This term encompasses any injury that affects the structure of a bone, such as occurs in an accident or as a result of other forceful impacts.

The heel bone acts as the rear point of attachment for the sole of the foot.

Abbr.: CTS Narrowing of the carpal tunnel that constricts and damages the median nerve.

A water-containing, highly elastic tissue that acts as a gliding layer covering the surfaces of joints.

Wear and injury to the cartilage in a joint can trigger a case of osteoarthritis.

The cervical spine (C-spine) is the name given to the seven vertebrae located between the head and the thoracic spine.

Cervicobrachial syndrome (also known as Cervical syndrome) is a blanket term for painful disorders in the neck area in which pain may radiate into the shoulder and arm. These disorders may have a number of different causes.

abbr.: CT or CAT While this computer-assisted x-ray procedure is a suitable diagnostic tool both for the skeleton and for soft tissues, it is not as powerful for the latter as MRI.

A distinction is drawn between the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, both of which stabilize the knee by preventing the tibial plateau from sliding either to the front or back.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Narrowing of the carpal tunnel that constricts and damages the median nerve.

The intervertebral disk is a ring-shaped structure composed of fibrocartilage and having a gelatinous core at its center. These disks provide an elastic link between vertebrae, thus allowing for movement between individual vertebrae and serving both as the joints and the shock absorbers of the spine. Walking upright places an enormous amount of pressure on the intervertebral disks of human beings.

Surgery performed on bones to correct changes in the axis of a joint.

A distal break in the radius, generally due to a fall to the wrist.

The lower leg can be pulled forward if the anterior cruciate ligament is torn (known as the anterior drawer sign) and pushed backwards if the posterior cruciate ligament is torn (posterior drawer sign).

This term describes a modern form of rehabilitation following injury; may be conducted with or without surgical intervention. The aim of functional therapy is to mobilize an injured extremity or joint at an early point in rehabilitation in order to avoid complications such as muscle deterioration, joint stiffness, thrombosis, etc. Bandages are a tool used in functional therapy.

The lateral epicondyle of the humerus is a small, tuberculated eminence, curved a little forward, and giving attachment to the radial collateral ligament of the elbow-joint. (also see Tennis Elbow)

The medial epicondyle of the humerus, larger and more prominent than the lateral epicondyle, is directed a little backward; it gives attachment to the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow-joint. (also see Golfer’s Elbow)

The fibula and shinbone together form the shaft of the lower leg. The outer ankle is formed by the lower end of the fibula.

In medicine, the term fracture denotes a broken bone caused by external forces, such as a fall on the forearm.

Also called pitcher’s elbow or medial epicondylitis, this condition is far less common than tennis elbow. Golfer’s elbow affects the ulnar (medial) epicondyle, which is precisely the opposite side of the elbow affected in tennis elbow. (also see Medial epicondylitis)

The heel bone acts as the rear point of attachment for the sole of the foot.

A hematoma results when tissue is injured (due to an accident or surgery), causing blood to flow into the surrounding soft tissue or into the articular cavity. To prevent the hematoma from spreading, first-aid measures should include cooling, applying gentle pressure and elevating the affected area.

A herniated disk occurs when the inner disk material gradually protrudes into or enters the spinal canal. The resulting pressure on the nerve roots can cause pain, paralysis and numbness.

The humerus is the medical term for the arm bone.

The intervertebral disk is a ring-shaped structure composed of fibrocartilage and having a gelatinous core at its center. These disks provide an elastic link between vertebrae, thus allowing for movement between individual vertebrae and serving both as the joints and the shock absorbers of the spine. Walking upright places an enormous amount of pressure on the intervertebral disks of human beings.

Each vertebral arch possesses four articular processes that form the vertebral joint by connecting to the articular processes above and below.

Preferably made of an elastic material that can mold to any part of the body and exert gentle pressure. By enhancing the proprioceptive effect, joint bandages can be used to improve fine motor control of a joint.

The menisci are two crescent-shaped, fibrocartilage disks located in the articular cavity between both ends of the femur and the articular surface of the tibia. Acting in conjunction with the cartilage layers surrounding the bones of the joint, these disks serve as something of a shock absorber by changing shape and position in response to stress on the joint. In so doing, they help distribute pressure across the greatest possible surface area. The menisci also surround the femoral condyles and link them to the surface of the tibial plateau.

It acts to increase the leverage of the anterior (quadriceps) muscles of the thigh acting across the knee to the shinbone when stretching the knee

Stabilizes the knee on the outer (lateral) side of the joint.

The lateral epicondyle of the humerus is a small, tuberculated eminence, curved a little forward, and giving attachment to the radial collateral ligament of the elbow-joint. (also see Tennis Elbow)

Tennis elbow (= lateral epicondylitis) refers to an inflammatory or degenerative change to the lateral (radial) epicondyle (epicondylus radialis) that results from overexertion of the joint during occupational or athletic activities. Conservative therapy constitutes the first line of treatment, with surgical intervention indicated only if pain becomes constant. (also see Lateral epicondylitis)

Common term denoting the system of lateral ligaments of the upper ankle joint. Because it links the lateral ankle (malleolus) to the heel bone (calcaneus) and the ankle bone (talus), the outer ligament plays a key role in stabilizing the ankle joint.

A term frequently used by medical professionals to denote an entire complex of ligaments such as the lateral ligaments, a common term referring to what is actually a system of three individual ligaments located on the outer ankle and functioning as a single unit.

Painful irritation of the spinal nerves and a tension in the muscles of the back, often radiating outwards into the buttocks and thigh. Cases with rapid onset are referred to as lumbago.

Painful irritation of the spinal nerves and tension in the muscles of the back, often radiating outwards into the buttocks and thigh. Cases with rapid onset are also referred to as lumbago.

The lumbar spine (abbr.: L-spine) consists of five lumbar vertebrae and allows the torso to bend, stretch, move from side to side and rotate (slightly) around the axis of the body. A variety of frequent complaints can result from any number of degenerative changes to the L-spine. These changes include osteoarthritis of the vertebral joints or damage to the intervertebral disks caused by herniation.

Abbr.: MRI MRIs are ideally suited to diagnosing damage and changes to joints (such as injury to the cruciate ligament of the knee) and to the intervertebral disks, and, unlike CAT scans, do not expose patients to radiation.

Stabilizes the knee on the inner (medial) side of the joint.

The medial epicondyle of the humerus, larger and more prominent than the lateral epicondyle, is directed a little backward; it gives attachment to the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow-joint. (also see Golfer’s Elbow)

Also called pitcher’s elbow, this condition is far less common than tennis elbow. It affects the ulnar (medial) epicondyle, which is precisely the opposite side of the elbow affected in tennis elbow. (also see Golfer’s elbow)

The median nerve (Nervus medianus) runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, innervating the thumb and the index, middle and ring fingers.

A surgical technique resulting in as little damage as possible to the affected tissues. Minimally invasive procedures are performed by means of tiny incisions through which an endoscope or arthroscope is inserted and used to perform the surgery.

Abbr. for magnetic resonance imaging

The scaphoid (navicular bone or os scaphoideum) is the carpal bone located on the radial side of the wrist. Frequently occurring when an individual falls on the wrist, scaphoid fractures are typically immobilized for 12 weeks using a plaster cast.

The median nerve (Nervus medianus) runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, innervating the thumb and the index, middle and ring fingers.

External stabilizing devices with rigid or semi-rigid components and, in some cases, with adjustable degrees of movement (e.g. in knee orthotics).

Osteoarthritis is caused by damage to cartilage, which can result from various conditions, including infections, poor posture and other malpositions (knock-kneed or bowlegged stance) or incorrect or excessive strain on the joint. If the cartilage layer flattens out, for instance, x-rays will show that the articular cavity has also been flattened.

Pain surrounding the kneecap for which a variety of conditions may be responsible.

A blanket term covering all rehabilitation treatments, such as active/passive therapy, lymph drainage, massage, balneotherapy, mud therapy and all forms of movement therapy.

Also known as golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis, this condition is far less common than tennis elbow. It affects the ulnar (medial) epicondyle, which is precisely the opposite side of the elbow affected in tennis elbow. (also see Medial epicondylitis)

Stimulation of skin receptors by stretching or applying pressure. The aim of proprioception is to stimulate a dynamic, reflex-like response of the musculature that serves to stabilize and improve fine motor control of a joint. External stabilizing devices, such as tapes, joint bandages or orthotics, have a proprioceptive effect.

The proximal end of the radius, the radial head is held to the ulna by an annular ligament that allows the forearm to rotate both outwards and inwards.

The radius and ulna together form the shaft of the forearm.

All measures taken to restore a patient’s health and to integrate the individual into normal (professional) life (medical, occupational and social integration).

The scaphoid (navicular bone or os scaphoideum) is the carpal bone located on the radial side of the wrist. Frequently occurring when an individual falls on the wrist, scaphoid fractures are typically immobilized for 12 weeks using a plaster cast.

The shinbone and the fibula together form the shaft of the lower leg. The inner ankle is formed by the lower end of the shinbone.

Shock-wave therapy was first used to disintegrate kidney stones and then adapted for use in orthopedic applications. The procedure involves the emission of brief pulses of high-energy sound waves that improve the flow of blood and stimulate metabolism as a means of easing pain.

The spinal cord is the component of the central nervous system that runs through the spinal canal from the brain down into the lumbar spine and performs the important function of transmitting signals between the brain and the body.

Osteoarthritis of the intervertebral joints of the spinal column

The term sprain describes a stretch injury of a joint and most frequently occurs in the ankle and the joints of the fingers. A distortion often results in partially or completely torn ligaments. Conservative-functional therapy is generally both sufficient and successful.

Produced by the inner membrane of the articular capsule (= synovialis), the synovial fluid (= synovia) nourishes the cartilage and acts as a lubricant to reduce friction within the joint.

Produced by the inner membrane of the articular capsule (= synovialis), the synovial fluid (= synovia) nourishes the cartilage and acts as a lubricant to reduce friction within the joint.

The inner layer of the articular capsule responsible for producing and reabsorbing synovial fluid.

The inner layer of the articular capsule responsible for producing and reabsorbing synovial fluid.

A tendon sheath is a fluid-filled envelope surrounding a tendon. Similar to the bursae, tendon sheaths perform a protective function and make it possible for tendons to slide.

Tennis elbow (= lateral epicondylitis) refers to an inflammatory or degenerative change to the lateral (radial) epicondyle (epicondylus radialis) that results from overexertion of the joint during occupational or athletic activities. Conservative therapy constitutes the first line of treatment, with surgical intervention indicated only if pain becomes constant. (also see Lateral epicondylitis)

Most often a non-bacterial inflammation of a tendon and/or tendon sheath.

The shinbone and the fibula together form the shaft of the lower leg. The inner ankle is formed by the lower end of the shinbone.

The tibial plateau, i.e., the flattened end of the tibia nearest the torso, has two articular surfaces (the inner/medial and the outer/lateral surfaces) that make contact with the femur. The two cruciate ligaments are attached to the middle of the tibial plateau.

The ulna and radius together form the shaft of the forearm.

Sonic vibrations generate heat within the body. The thermal and mechanical effects of ultrasound improve local blood flow.

An injury to the knee resulting in tears in the anterior cruciate ligament, the medial meniscus and the medial collateral ligament.

The vertebrae, i.e., the bony structures of the spine, are connected together via the intervertebral disks to form elastic joints. The posterior portion of each vertebra is formed by a vertebral arch that surrounds the spinal cord and, together with the other vertebral arches, forms the spinal canal.

The arteria vertebralis (vertebral artery) is a branch of the subclavian artery feeding into the brain and running through the transverse processes of the vertebrae along the left and right sides of the cervical spine. A patient may experience dizziness or ringing in the ears if this channel narrows (e.g., as a result of osteoarthritis) and constricts the vertebral artery.

A method utilizing radiation as a means of imaging the human body. While this technique is extremely well-suited for examining the bony structures of the body, soft tissue can only be seen faintly or not at all and is best viewed using CAT scans or MRIs.