arthro-, arthr-

Descriptive of joints, such as those in the spinal column which articulate between semi-flat surfaces: A common complaint among some gym users is that they have aching arthodial areas in their backs.

A malady or discomfort in a joint that is not caused by disease: The arthrodynia which Mark was complaining about in his feet seemed to be related to the fact that his shoes were too small and too tight.

Referring to pain in the joints: John, the old farmer, felt the arthrodynic pain in the links between his bones most severely in the morning when it felt like every bone in his body was aching.

A hereditary congenital defect of the joint development: Shane's arthrodysplasias involved abnormal deformities of the movable areas in his legs.

The formation of pus in a joint: Donald's doctor used a long needle to extract the arthroempyesis which had developed in the structure between the bones in one of his knees resulting from an old sport injury.

The introduction of a thin fiberoptic instrument into the space of a joint so direct visualization of the internal structures can be accomplished: In some medical procedures, surgical repair can be more successfully performed by using arthroendoscopy for better viewing.

An X-ray of a joint which usually implies the introduction of a contrast agent into the disk capsule: The medical technician read the results of the arthrogram carefully and then explained the evidence of the injury of the bone connection to Lillian, the famous skater.

A systematic description of the joints based on X-rays after injecting one or more contrast media: Dr. Black, the radiologist, charted Janet's recovery based on the arthographies which were taken every two weeks during her recovery period.

A persistent contracture or disorders of the muscle fibers of a joint, typically acquired before birth and resulting in limited movements and developmental difficulties: Baby Jane's development of normal crawling was hindered by the arthrogryposis which she developed prior to birth and so she had stiffened arm connectives.

Characteristic of the movements of the body's connecting junctions: The remarkable arthrokinetic movements of Jack, the long distance runner, were recorded on film so future runners could study his techniques.

A foreign substance, often a calcium deposit, in a connective link between bones which can cause pain or impaired movements: Jonathan had surgery scheduled to remove the arthrolith in one of the joints in his shoulder as the lump was causing agony and a limited range of motions.

The scientific study of connecting bone structures: When he finished his medical training, Lyle was convinced that he wanted to specialize in arthrology so he could develop a better understanding of the joints, ligaments, etc. of his patients.

A segment or part of a living creature; such as, a grasshopper, which is jointed: While Verna watched the bug, it flexed its arthromere as it prepared to jump off the branch.

The measurement of the distances or freedom of movements in all directions of a joint: Carol, the occupational therapist, measured the arthrometry in Jason's wrist regularly during his therapy sessions after he broke it and needed to restore the range of motions.

The swelling of a joint in the body: The arthroncus in Harry's knee seemed to be the result of an accumulation of fluid under the knee cap; so, draining the fluid would relieve the arthroncus and discomfort.