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Skeletal System Medical Terminology Part 1

Understanding Word Parts

Match each of the following word parts with the correct meaning. You will not use all of
the meanings.

_h__ 1. sub- A. above

_d_ 2. meta- B. within; in
_i_ 3. -algia C. inflammation
_j_ 4. inter- D. change; beyond
_c_ 5. -itis E. around
_a_ 6. supra- F. softening
_m__ 7. -al G. process of cutting; incision
_b_ 8. intra- H. below
_g_ 9. -tomy I. pain
_e__ 10. peri- J. between
_l__ 11. -penia K. abnormal condition
_f_ 12. -malacia L. deficiency
M. pertaining to

_e_ 13. osteo A. joint

_g_ 14. cervic/o B. wrist
__i_ 15. myel/o C. crooked; bent
_a_ 16. arthr/o D. lubricating fluid of joints
__h_ 17. ped/o E. bone
__c_ 18. scoli/o F. tendon
__b_ 19. carp/o G. neck
__d_ 20. synovi/o H. foot; child
__m_ 21. tars/o I. bone marrow
__f_ 22. tendon/o J. straight
__k_ 23. spondyl/o K. vertebra; backbone
__j_ 24. orth/o L. rib
M. ankle

Breakdown each medical term listed below by rewriting the term, and then placing a
slash between part, label each part(P, WR, CV, and S). Then define each term.

25. intercostal
Breakdown: between, rib, pertaining to
Definition: situated or extending between the ribs
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26. tendonitis
Breakdown: tendon, inflammation
Definition: inflammation of a tendon

27. kyphosis
Breakdown: humpback, abnormal condition
Definition: hunching of the back

28. antipyretic
Breakdown: against,fever,pertaining to
Definition: used to prevent a fever

29. arthralgia
Breakdown: joint,pain
Definition: pain in a joint

30. craniotomy
Breakdown: skull, process of cutting
Definition: surgical opening of the skull

31. arthroplasty
Breakdown: joint/surgical repair
Definition:surgical repair of joints

32. rheumatoid
Breakdown: watery flow
Definition: inflammatory disease of the immune system affecting the cells

33. subcostal
Breakdown: below/near rib
Definition: below the ribs

34. lumbalgia
Breakdown: lumbar region/pain
Definition: lower back pain in the lumbar region

35. narcosis
Breakdown: numbness/abnormal conditions
Definition: state of abnormal numbness caused by drugs
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Interpreting Medical Records

Use a regular dictionary or a medical dictionary to define the following terms.

1. aggravation: action that makes a condition worse

2. alleviate: make symptoms less severe
3. therapeutic: tending to cure or restore it health
4. bulge: swelling outward
5. In your own words, explain what pain radiating means? -Pain that pulsates
through the body
6. What does the term over-the-counter mean?
- Medicine you can buy without a doctor prescribing it to you
Read the following medical record. Define the abbreviations and terms called out in
the record.

Patient’s Name: Jane Doe

ID Number: 12345
Date of Service: May 3, 2017

Subjective: 45 y/o female with ℅ increasing difficulty using her R hand. Pt states she is
“continually dropping things like her car keys and hairbrush.” Pt states symptoms have
worsened over the past six months. Pt states that she wakes up in the morning with
severe numbness and tingling, and that it takes approximately two to three hours for
symptoms to reduce in intensity. Pt’s OH is a computer analyst for the past 20 years. Pt
states that her PCP has ordered OTC NSAIDs, occupational therapy evaluation with
recommendations of home exercises, and night splinting. Pt states that symptoms
have worsened despite conservative Tx. Pt referred to orthopedics for evaluation.

Objective: Pt is a well-developed female. Ht: 65 inches. Wt: 154.2 pounds. HEENT exam
WNL. Evaluation of affected extremity reveals slight atrophy of R forearm in
relationship to the L side. Wrist circumference: R: 18 cm, L: 19 cm. Pt is not able to
distinguish between light and firm pinpoint pressures in the 2nd to 4th digits of the R
hand.

Assessment: Moderate to severe CTS.

Plan: Order NCV study. If this test indicates moderate to severe CTS, schedule Pt for
endoscopic R carpal tunnel release. Instruct pt that if surgery is required, she will have
to schedule to be off work for at least six weeks. If NCV study does not reveal CTS,
contact Pt to return to clinic for further evaluation and Tx.

7. y/o: year old

8. c/o: complains of
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9. R: right
10. Pt: patient
11. OH: other hand
12. PCP: primary care provider
13. OTC: over the counter
14. NSAID: non-inflammatory steroidal drug
15. Tx: treatment
16. ht: height
17. wt: weight
18. HEENT: head eyes ears nose and throat
19. WNL: within normal limits
20. L: left
21. cm: centimeters
22. CTS: carpool tunnel syndrome
23. NCV: nerve conduction velocity

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

24. Why do you think the patient described in this medical record developed CTS?
- The patient was a computer analyst for the part 20 years. The job most likely
requires repetitive motion of the fingers/ wrist.
25. What are some steps that patients can take to prevent or minimize this condition?
- healthy eating, workout, sleep