Glossary

Anesthesia

Loss of sensation with or without loss of consciousness.

Arthroplasty

Creation of an artificial joint to correct advanced degenerative arthritis. Knee replacement surgery can be performed as a partial or a total knee replacement. Also known as knee replacement; joint replacement.

Articular Cartilage

A resilient tissue that covers the surface of bones where they meet in a joint. The cells of articular cartilage are in small clusters separated by a matrix of collagen fibers and protein-carbohydrate molecules.

Autoimmune

Disease where immune system confuses healthy tissue for foreign bodies and begins attacking itself.

Bow-Legged

A condition in which the legs curve outward at the knees. Also known as varus.

Cartilage

Firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints. A more flexible kind of cartilage connects muscles with bones and makes up other parts of the body, such as the larynx and the outside parts of the ears.

CAS

Computer assisted or aided surgery is a tool used in orthopedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in knee replacement surgeries.

CAT Scan

A computed axial tomography (CAT) scan is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses rotating x-ray equipment, combined with a digital computer, to obtain images of the body. Also known as computed tomography (CT) scan.

Computer Navigated Surgery

A tool used in orthopedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in knee replacement surgeries. Also known as CAS; computer aided surgery; computer assisted surgery; computer assisted intervention; IGS; image guided surgery; information guided surgery; navigated surgery; surgical navigation.

Computer-Aided Surgery

A tool used in orthopedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in knee replacement surgeries. Also known as CAS; computer-assisted surgery; computer assisted intervention; computer navigated surgery; IGS; image guided surgery; information guided surgery; navigated surgery; surgical navigation.

Computer-Assisted Intervention

A tool used in orthopedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in knee replacement surgeries. Also known as CAS; computer aided surgery; computer assisted surgery; computer navigated surgery; IGS; image guided surgery; information guided surgery; navigated surgery; surgical navigation.

Computer-Assisted Surgery

A tool used in orthopedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in knee replacement surgeries. Also known as CAS; computer-aided surgery; computer assisted intervention; computer navigated surgery; IGS; image guided surgery; information guided surgery; navigated surgery; surgical navigation.

Condyle

Rounded surface found at the end of the femur (thighbone); provides smooth movement of the knee joint.

Conventional Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery done without the assistance of a navigation system.

Cruciate Ligaments

Either of two ligaments in the knee joint which cross each other from femur to tibia: (1): anterior cruciate ligament (2): posterior cruciate ligament.

CT

A computed tomography (CT) scan or computed axial tomography (CAT) is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses rotating x-ray equipment, combined with a digital computer, to obtain images of the body.

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

Deterioration of the articular cartilage that lines a joint, which results in narrowing of the joint space and pain. Also known as osteoarthritis.

Femoral

Of or relating to the femur or thigh bone.

Femur

The long bone of the thigh.

Fibula

The outer and usually the smaller of the two bones of the lower leg below the knee. Also known as calf bone.

Functional Outcome

A measurement of how well an anatomical part or organ performs after surgery. A focus of image guided surgery procedures and specialists.

Hemi-Arthroplasty

The partial replacement of bone with prosthesis.

IGS

A tool used in orthopedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in knee replacement surgeries. Also known as image guided surgery; information guided surgery.

Image-Guided Surgery

A tool used in orthopedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in knee replacement surgeries. Also known as CAS; computer aided surgery; computer assisted surgery; computer assisted intervention; computer navigated surgery; IGS; information guided surgery; navigated surgery; surgical navigation.

Infrared Camera

Infrared is a type of light that we cannot see with our eyes. Our eyes can only see what we call visible light. Infrared cameras scan detect and provide visual representation of infrared energy emitted by objects. In navigated surgery, an infrared camera picks up the location and motion of special reflective spheres attached to human anatomy and physician instruments.

Intra-Operative

Occurring, carried out, or encountered during the course of surgery.

Joint Capsule

A collagenous structure that surrounds a joint like a sleeve. The capsule allows motion of joints and protects the articular cartilage. The capsule, along with ligaments, tendons, and bony structure, provides stability of the joint. Also known as articular capsule; capsular ligament.

Joint Replacement

Creation of an artificial joint to correct advanced degenerative arthritis. Knee replacement surgery can be performed as a partial or a total knee replacement. Also known as arthroplasty; knee replacement.

Knee Replacement

Creation of an artificial joint to correct advanced degenerative arthritis. Knee replacement surgery can be performed as a partial or a total knee replacement. Also known as arthroplasty; joint replacement.

Knock-Kneed

A condition in which the legs curve inward at the knees. Also called valgus.

Ligament

A band or sheet of fibrous tissue that connects two bones, cartilages, or other structures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A type of diagnostic radiography that uses the characteristic behavior of protons (and other atomic nuclei) when placed in powerful magnetic fields to make images of tissues and organs.

Marker Spheres

Special reflective spheres attached to human anatomy and physician instruments during navigated surgery; an infrared camera picks up their location and motion. Also known as reference spheres.

Mechanical Axis

The measurement used to determine abnormalities in leg alignment such as varus (“bow-legs”) or valgus (“knock-knees”).

Menisci

Either of two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage that border and partly cover the articulating surfaces of the tibia and femur at the knee.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Navigated Surgery

A tool used in orthopedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in knee replacement surgeries. Also known as CAS; computer aided surgery; computer assisted surgery; computer assisted intervention; computer navigated surgery; IGS; image guided surgery; information guided surgery; surgical navigation.

Navigation System

A combination of infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices that give surgeons increased visualization during a surgical procedure.

Orthopedic Surgeon

A specialized physician that performs surgical procedures to correct or prevent deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures.

Orthopedics

A branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures (as tendons and ligaments)

Osteoarthritis

Arthritis marked by degeneration of the cartilage and bone of joints. Also known as OA; degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, hypertrophic arthritis.

Partial Knee Replacement

Surgical replacement of knee portion with prosthesis.

Polyethylene

Thermoplastics that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing.

Pre-Operative

Occurring before a surgical operation.

Prosthesis

Manufactured substitute for a diseased or missing part of the body.

Pulmonary Embolism

Embolism of a pulmonary artery or one of its branches that is produced by foreign matter and most often a blood clot originating in a vein of the leg or pelvis and that is marked by labored breathing, chest pain, fainting, rapid heart rate, cyanosis, shock, and sometimes death.

Quadriceps

The greater extensor muscle of the front of the thigh that is divided into four parts. Also known as quadriceps femoris; quadriceps muscle.

Reference Markers

Special reflective spheres attached to human anatomy and physician instruments during navigated surgery; an infrared camera picks up their location and motion. Also known as marker spheres.

Revision Surgery

Surgery to remove a defective prosthesis or prosthesis component, to reposition it, or to replace it.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A usually chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized especially by pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes destruction of joints.

Runner’s Knee

Pain in the region of the knee especially when related to running that may have a simple anatomical basis (as tightness of a muscle) or may be a symptom of iliotibial band syndrome or may be an indication of chondromalacia patellae.

Scan

The data or image obtained from the examination of organs or regions of the body by gathering information with a sensing device.

Surgical Navigation

A tool used in orthopedic surgery that utilizes infrared cameras, digitized bone images and tracking devices to give surgeons increased visualization during the procedure; the benefits can include smaller scar, greater alignment and accuracy in knee replacement surgeries. Also known as CAS; computer aided surgery; computer assisted surgery; computer assisted intervention; computer navigated surgery; IGS; image guided surgery; information guided surgery; navigated surgery.

Tendons

A tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part (as a bone) and transmits the force which the muscle exerts.

Tibia

The inner and usually larger of the two bones of the vertebrate hind or lower limb between the knee and ankle.

TKA

Total knee arthroplasty.

TKR

Total knee replacement.

Total Knee Arthroplasty

Surgical replacement of knee with prosthesis. Also known as TKA; TKR; total knee replacement.

Total Knee Replacement

Surgical replacement of knee with prosthesis. In general, the surgery consists of replacing the diseased or damaged joint surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components shaped to allow continued motion of the knee. Also known as TKA; TKR; total knee arthroplasty.

Traumatic Arthritis

Arthritis marked by degeneration of the cartilage and bone of joints caused by injury or accident. Also known as post-traumatic arthritis; injury-induced arthritis.

Ultrasound

Noninvasive technique using sound waves to generate a two-dimensional image of internal body structures and bodily abnormalities. Also known as sonography.

Uni-Compartmental Replacement

The partial replacement of bone with prosthesis. Also known as PKR; partial knee replacement; hemi-arthroplasty.

Valgus

A condition in which the legs curve inward at the knees. Also known as “knock-kneed.” Angulation of a distal bone away from the midline in relation to its proximal partner. Genu valgum is a knock-knee deformity, with abduction of the tibia in relation to the femur. Can also be used to describe angulation of fractures or bony deformities (coxa valgus).

Varus

A condition in which the legs curve outward at the knees. Also known as “bow-legged.” Angulation of a distal bone toward the midline in relation to its proximal partner. Genu varum is a bowleg deformity, with adduction of the tibia in relation to the femur. Can also be used to describe angulation of fractures or bony deformities (coxa varus).

Venous Thrombosis

The formation or presence of a blood clot within a blood vessel.

X-Ray

Electromagnetic radiation used to produce images of bones.