Glossary of terms

brachial plexus injuries

injuries to the major nerve group of the arm

See also Brachial plexus program overviewNeurosurgeryRehabilitative servicesTypes of brachial plexus injuries

cerebral palsy (CP)

a broad term that describes a group of neurological (brain) disorders. It is a life-long condition that affects the communication between the brain and the muscles, causing a permanent state of uncoordinated movement and posturing. CP is the result of an episode that causes a lack of oxygen to the brain.

See also Cerebral palsyNeurologyOrthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicinePlanned givingRefereed scientific articles published or accepted for publicationRehabilitative servicesResearchCerebral palsy: a patient's perspective

head injuries

trauma to the head/brain

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)Neurosurgery

hip dysplasia

an array of hip problems that if identified early have a good prognosis

See also Orthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicine

muscular dystropy

a broad term that describes a genetic (inherited) disorder of the muscles. MD causes the muscles in the body to become very weak. The muscles break down and are replaced with fatty deposits over time. The most common form of MD is called Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

See also NeurologyPulmonary habilitation program

spina bifida (also called meningomyelocele or neural tube defect)

Present at birth, the condition affects the development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves, and the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord. This neurological condition can cause a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside, instead of inside, the body. The sac-like lesion can occur anywhere along the spine. Fetal spina bifida is diagnosed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) so that special preparations can be made for optimal care at delivery.

See also Fetal spina bifidaInstitute for Fetal HealthNeurosurgeryOrthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicineOur spina bifida programPlanned givingRefereed scientific articles published or accepted for publicationResearchSpina bifidaSpina bifida information for teens and young adultsBridget’s remarkable triumphKelly conquers spina bifidaSpina bifida patients to get their own places

spine or vertebral anomalies

birth defects of the developing spine involving the bones or nerves or both. Fetal spine or vertebral anomalies are diagnosed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) so that special preparations can be made for optimal care at delivery.

See also Institute for Fetal HealthEmily okay after unstable vertabrae

sports injuries

includes a wide variety of sports-related injuries

See also Knee Injury Prevention ProgramOrthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicineOverview of Motion Analysis CenterOverview of Institute for Sports MedicinePitching biomechanics analysisPitching researchSports injury prevention tipsWhat happens during a pitching biomechanics analysis?

trauma

a physical injury or wound caused by an external force which may cause death or permanent disability. Trauma is also used to describe severe emotional or psychological shock or distress.

See also Cardiovascular-thoracic surgeryCritical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)Orthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicinePlastic and reconstructive surgeryPulmonary habilitation programSurgery (general)

traumatic brain injury

leading causes are motor vehicle accidents, falls and child abuse. Affects 200-300 children/100,000 per year.

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)Emergency medicinePulmonary habilitation programHelicopter transport saves Jake from brain injury