Orthopedic Glossary
Total Knee Replacement (TKA)
When a knee joint is surgically replaced with artificial parts.
Total Hip Replacement (THA)
When a hip joint is surgically replaced with artificial parts.
Hip Pinning
After someone breaks their hip, it is sometimes necessary to stabilize the fracture using a metal plate and/or pins or screws.
Open Reduction, Internal Fixation (ORIF)
The surgical procedure used after someone has broken a bone. Most often, this involves use of pins, screws, a metal plate or some other type of fixation device.
Lumbar Fusion
The lumbar spine is located in the lower back region. A fusion is a surgical procedure used to increase stability in the spine after an injury or as a result of degenerative arthritis.
Laminectomy
A surgical procedure designed to relieve the pressure on the spine that is sometimes the result of an injury or degenerative arthritis. This may cause pain and weakness.
Weight Bearing At Tolerance (WBAT)
Placing only as much weight as you can tolerate on the extremity.
Full Weight Bearing (FWB)
Placing full weight on your extremity.
Toe Touch Weight Bearing (TTWB)
Only placing a very small amount of weight on the extremity, generally only to help with balance.
Partial Weight Bearing (PWB)
Placing some weight, but not full weight, on your extremity. Some doctors further define this by percentages, such as 25 percent of weight.
Flexion
To bend.
Extension
To straighten the spine or limbs.
Thoracic-Lumbar Spine Orthosis (TLSO)
A brace that is sometimes used after back surgery to provide support and stabilization during recovery.