False joint is a medical condition of the bones where they appear to be jointed, but they are not. The spelling of this word is unique, with the "false" part pronounced as /fɔːls/ (with the "o" pronounced as "aw"). The "joint" part is pronounced as /dʒɔɪnt/ (with the "oi" pronounced as "oy"). The word is commonly seen in medical literature and can cause pain and mobility issues for those who suffer from it. It is important to consult a doctor if any joint pain or discomfort is present.
A false joint refers to an abnormal condition occurring in the skeletal system, specifically in the joints of the body. Also known as a pseudoarthrosis, it is characterized by the formation of an abnormal connection between two bone ends that imitates a joint. However, unlike a normal joint, a false joint does not possess the typical structure, function, or stability of a regular joint.
The formation of a false joint arises primarily from a failure or delay in the proper healing of a broken bone. When a fracture occurs, the body initiates a healing process that involves the formation of callus, a connective tissue bridge, to reconnect the broken bone ends. However, if this healing process does not proceed correctly, the callus may not transform into mature bone tissue, leading to the formation of a false joint.
Often this abnormal connection appears as a non-mobile, fibrous connection between two broken bone segments. Typically lacking the protective cartilage, synovial fluid, and specific joint capsule found in a normal joint, a false joint is characterized by reduced stability and functionality. As a result, individuals with a false joint may experience limited movement, pain, weakness, and a higher risk of reinjury.
Treatment of false joints usually involves surgical intervention. Surgeons may perform procedures such as bone grafts, where bone or bone substitutes are used to promote proper bone healing and encourage the formation of a solid joint. In some cases, joint fusion or arthrodesis may be performed to permanently stabilize the joint by eliminating the false joint and fusing the two bone ends together.
Pseudarthrosis, the result of non-union between the fragments of a broken bone, an unnatural motility at a point where there should be solid bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the phrase "false joint" can be broken down as follows:
1. False: The word "false" originated from the Latin word "falsus" meaning "deceptive, counterfeit, untrue". This Latin term can be traced back to the Latin verb "fallere", which means "to deceive".
2. Joint: The term "joint" comes from the Old French word "jointe", which means "joined, united". It ultimately derives from the Latin noun "iunctus", meaning "joining together" or "connected".
When combined, "false joint" refers to a condition in which two or more bones appear to be connected but are not properly joined, thus creating a misleading or deceptive appearance.