Pseudarthroses is a medical term that refers to a false joint between two bones that have failed to unite following a fracture. This word is spelled as [soo-dar-throh-seez] using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The [p] sound is replaced with the [s] sound due to the Greek root "pseud-" meaning false, while the [th] sound is used to represent the combined sounds of "t" and "h" in the original Greek word. The [es] ending indicates the plural form. Proper spelling of medical terms is essential for clear communication in the field of healthcare.
Pseudarthroses, also known as nonunions, are medical conditions that occur when a fracture fails to heal properly. This term is derived from the combination of the Greek word "pseudo" meaning false, and "arthroses" meaning joint. Pseudarthroses refers to the false joint that forms at the site of a fracture that fails to heal.
In a normal healing process, when a bone breaks, specialized cells called osteoblasts are responsible for bone formation and healing. However, pseudarthroses occur when the bone ends do not unite, leading to the formation of fibrous tissue or cartilage instead of new bone. This fibrous tissue acts as a false joint, limiting mobility and causing pain at the fracture site.
There are various causes for pseudarthroses, including inadequate immobilization of the fracture, poor blood supply to the bone, infection, inadequate nutrition, or certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis or diabetes. Pseudarthroses can occur in any bone of the body but are most commonly observed in long bones, such as the femur or tibia.
Treatment for pseudarthroses typically involves surgical intervention. Surgeons may utilize techniques such as bone grafting, internal fixation (placing screws or plates to stabilize the bone), or electrical stimulation to encourage bone growth. Rehabilitation and physical therapy may also be crucial to restore normal function and mobility.
In summary, pseudarthroses are the false joints that form at the site of a fracture that has failed to heal properly. This condition requires medical attention and often surgical intervention to promote bone healing and restore normal function.
The word "Pseudarthroses" is derived from two Latin roots: "pseudo", meaning false or fake, and "arthrosis", which refers to a joint. Together, "pseudarthroses" literally means false joint.
In the medical field, pseudarthroses specifically refers to a condition where a bone fracture fails to properly heal and results in a non-functional, false joint between the bone ends. This term is typically used to describe a pathological or abnormal condition rather than a naturally occurring joint.