Subperiosteal is a medical term used to describe something that is situated underneath the periosteum, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers bones. The spelling of this word can be broken down into separate syllables: sub-peri-os-teal. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be pronounced /sʌbpɛrɪˈɒstiəl/. The "sub" prefix means "under," while "peri" means "around" and "osteal" refers to bones. This term is often used to describe dental implants or bone grafts used in orthopedic surgery.
Subperiosteal is an adjective that refers to something pertaining to or situated beneath the periosteum, which is the dense layer of fibrous connective tissue covering the outer surface of bones. It can describe conditions, treatments, or anatomical structures that are located beneath this protective membrane.
In the context of medicine and surgery, subperiosteal procedures or implants involve the placement of a device or material beneath the periosteum. This technique is commonly used in orthopedic surgery to promote bone growth or to provide support and stability. For instance, subperiosteal implants may be used in dental medicine to secure prosthetic teeth, metal bone plates may be inserted subperiosteally to aid in fracture healing, or subperiosteal tissue expanders may be placed during reconstructive surgery.
Subperiosteal can also describe conditions or infections that develop beneath the periosteum. In cases of subperiosteal abscess, bacteria or other microorganisms can cause an infection that collects in a pocket beneath the periosteum. This can occur in various locations, such as the teeth, sinuses, or long bones, and typically leads to localized pain, swelling, and inflammation that may require medical intervention.
Overall, the term subperiosteal pertains to structures, processes, or pathological conditions occurring beneath the periosteum, a key protective layer covering bones.
Beneath the periosteum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "subperiosteal" is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: "sub" meaning "under" or "below", and "periosteum", which refers to the dense layer of connective tissue that covers bones. When combined, "subperiosteal" literally means "underneath the periosteum". This term is often used in medical contexts to describe a procedure or condition that occurs beneath or near the periosteum.