Pseudarthrosis is a medical term describing a false joint formed by a bone that did not properly heal after a fracture. The correct pronunciation is /suːdɑrˈθroʊsɪs/. It is spelled with a silent 'p', a dipthong 'ae', and a combination of 'th' and 's' sounds. The word originates from the Greek language, where 'pseudo' means false, 'arthro' means joint, and 'osis' means condition. Pseudarthrosis is a rare but serious complication of bone fractures and can cause chronic pain and instability in affected joints.
Pseudarthrosis is a medical term derived from the Greek words "pseudes," meaning false or deceptive, and "arthrosis," meaning a joint. It refers to a condition characterized by the failure of bone fusion or the development of a false joint. Pseudarthrosis occurs when bones fail to properly unite or heal after a fracture or surgical procedure, resulting in a non-union or false joint formation.
In a normal bone healing process, the fractured ends of a bone gradually grow together, forming new bone tissue and ultimately reestablishing the structural integrity of the bone. However, in cases of pseudarthrosis, this natural healing process is disrupted. This condition can result from various factors, such as inadequate blood supply to the injured area, excessive movement or instability at the fracture site, infection, poor nutrition, or certain medical conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes.
Individuals with pseudarthrosis may experience persistent pain, limited mobility, weakness, and instability in the affected area. They may also notice abnormalities in bone alignment or the presence of a visible gap at the non-healed fracture site. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans, and possibly a bone scan.
Treatment for pseudarthrosis usually involves surgical intervention. The goal is to promote bone healing by removing the scar tissue, realigning the fractured ends, stabilizing the bone using internal fixation devices (such as plates, screws, or rods), and potentially grafting bone tissue from other parts of the body. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are often incorporated into the treatment plan to aid in the recovery process and regain strength and function in the affected area.
A false joint, motion in the shaft of a long bone between the two ends, following an ununited fracture.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pseudarthrosis" has Greek roots. It is derived from the Greek terms "pseudēs" meaning "false" or "deceptive", and "arthrosis", meaning "joint" or "articulation". In medical terminology, "arthrosis" typically refers to a joint where two bones are connected or articulated. Thus, "pseudarthrosis" can be understood as a "false joint" or "false articulation". It is a medical term used to describe a condition in which the bones at a previously fused joint fail to unite and form a solid union.