Calcific tendinitis

Accumulation of mineral deposits in a tendon.

Callus

Localized thickening of skin epidermis due to physical trauma. Fibrous tissue containing immature bone tissue that forms at fracture sited during repair and regeneration.

Cancellous

Bone tissue of relatively low density.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel leading to pain and tingling in the hand.

Carrying angle

The angle between the humerus and ulna when the arm is in the anatomical position.

Cartilage

A smooth material that covers bone ends of a joint to cushion the bone and allow the joint to move easily without pain.

Cast

Casts are used to help immobilize an injured part of the body after fractures, surgery, or other injuries.

CAT scan

Computed tomography scan. A computer assisted x-ray tomogram that provides detailed images of tissue based on their density. Also called a CT scan.

Cauda equina

Lower spinal nerves that course through the lumbar spinal canal that resemble a horse's tail.

Center of gravity

Center of mass, or the point at which the mass and weight of a body is balanced in all directions.

Chondral fracture

Fracture involving the articular cartilage at a joint.

Chondromalacia patella

Degenerative condition in the articular cartilage of the patella caused by abnormal compression and shearing forces.

Chronic injury

An injury with long onset and duration.

Circumduction

Circular motion of a body segment resulting from sequential flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction or vice versa.

Claw toes

Closed packed position

Joint position in which contact between the articulation structures is maximal.

Coach's finger

Fixed flexion deformity of the finger resulting from dislocation at the proximal interphalangeal joint

Coccygodynia

Prolonged or chronic pain in the coccygeal region due to irritation of the coccygeal nerve plexus.

Collagen

Major protein of the white fibers in connective tissue, cartilage, and bone.

Collateral ligaments

Major ligaments that cross the medial and lateral aspects of a hinge joint to provide stability from valgus and varus forces.

Colle's fracture

Fracture involving a dorsally angulated and displaced, and a radially angulated and displaced fracture within one and a half inches of the wrist.

Compartment syndrome

Condition where increased intramuscular pressure brought on by activity impedes blood flow and function of tissues within that compartment.

Compression

A pressure or squeezing force directed through a body in such a way as to increase density.

Congenital

Present at birth.

Contracture

Permanent muscular contraction due to tonic spasm, fibrosis, loss of muscular equilibrium, or paralysis.

Contralateral

Pertaining to the opposite side.

Contrecoup injuries

Injuries away from the actual injury site due to rotational components during acceleration.

Contusion

Compression injury involving accumulation of blood an lymph within a muscle; a bruise.

Coordination

The body's ability to execute smooth, fluid, accurate, and controlled movements.

Cortical

Compact bone tissue of relatively high density.

Corticosteroid

Any of the steroid hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex.

Crepitation

Crackling sound or sensation characteristic of a fracture when the bone ends are moved.

Cruciate ligaments

Major ligaments that crisscross the knee in the anteroposterior direction providing stability in that plane.

Cryokinetics

Use of cold treatments prior to an exercise session.

Cryotherapy

Cold application

Cubital tunnel

A tunnel of muscle, ligament, and bone on the inside of the elbow.