Glossary of terms

brachial plexus injuries

injuries to the major nerve group of the arm

See also Brachial plexus program overview; Neurosurgery; Rehabilitative services; Types of brachial plexus injuries; My daughters' rehabilitation

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 palsy; Cerebral palsy; Neurology; Orthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicine; Rehabilitative services; Connor goes the distance; My daughter's quest to walk; Triumphant trio

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 Neurology; Pulmonary 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.

See also Fetal spina bifida; Institute for Fetal Health; Neurosurgery; Orthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicine; Our spina bifida program; Overview of Spina bifida; Spina bifida; Spina bifida; Spina bifida information for teens and young adults; Aaron receives expert spina bifida care; Bridget's remarkable triumph; Cheers for Addison...and her mom; Finding inspiration in the eyes of children; Spina 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 Health; Emily okay after unstable vertabrae

sports injuries

includes a wide variety of sports-related injuries

See also "Burnout" in young athletes (overtraining syndrome); "Little League elbow" (medial epicondylar apophysitis); "Little League shoulder" (proximal humeral epiphysitis); Achilles tendonitis; Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; Gymnast wrist (distal radial epiphysitis); High ankle sprain (syndesmosis sprain); Injury prevention guidelines for young baseball pitchers; Knee Injury Prevention Program (KIPP®); Metatarsal stress fracture; Multidirectional shoulder instability; Orthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicine; Overview of Institute for Sports Medicine; Patellar tendonitis; Sports injuries and medical conditions; Sports injury prevention tips; Stinger or burner (brachial plexus injury from sports); Thigh contusion (bruise); Training to Reduce injuries in Active Kids (TRAK®); Turf toe (sprain of the 1st metatarsal-phalengeal joint); Children’s advocates for new legislation, training to protect kids

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 Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit); Orthopaedic surgery/Sports and rehabilitative medicine; Plastic and reconstructive surgery; Pulmonary habilitation program; Surgery (general); When seconds count; When seconds count; Helping schools care for kids after traumatic events

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 medicine; Pulmonary habilitation program; Helicopter transport saves Jake from brain injury