Basicmedical Key

Definitions Orthopaedics: Branch of surgery concerned with the skeletal system (ortho- [straight] + paes [child] = straightening the child. Varus deformity: the inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint. Valgum…

Definitions A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone. Fractures may be transverse, oblique or spiral in shape. In a greenstick fracture, only one side of the…

Definitions Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden deterioration in renal filtration function. Acute renal failure (ARF) is AKI such that global renal function is no longer capable of excreting…

Definitions Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a systemic inflammatory response characterized by the presence of two or more of the following: Hyperthermia 38°C or hypothermia 36°C. Tachycardia > 90 beats/minute. Tachypnoea…

Definitions Hypoxia is defined as a lack of O2 (usually meaning lack of O2 delivery to tissues or cells). Hypoxaemia is a lack of O2 in arterial blood (low PaO2)….

Definitions Stomas A stoma is an opening from a hollow viscus connecting it to the skin surface. A gastrostomy is an opening into the stomach which is maintained by inserting…

Definition Any swelling in or on the scrotum or its contents. Key Points Always evaluate scrotal swellings for extension to the groin. If present they are almost always inguinoscrotal hernias….

Definitions Haematuria is the passage of blood in the urine. Frank haematuria is the presence of blood on macroscopic examination, while microscopic haematuria indicates that RBCs are only seen on…

Definitions Urinary retention is defined as an inability to micturate (pass urine). Acute urinary retention is the sudden inability to micturate in the presence of a painful bladder. Chronic urinary…