ostomy An operation to create an opening from an area inside the body to the outside. An ostomy may be used to permit drainage of feces (colostomy) or urine (cystostomy) from the body when the normal route is missing or blocked. It can be permanent or temporary. See also colostomy; enterostomy.
osteotomy, displacement Surgical reconfiguration of a bone by changing its physical relationship to other bones.
osteotomy, cuneiform Surgical removal of a triangular piece of bone.
osteotomy, block Surgical removal of a section of bone.
osteotomy Taking out part or all of a bone, or cutting into or through bone.
osteosarcoma A cancer of the bone that is most common in adolescents and young adults. Treatment involves surgery, usually followed by chemotherapy or radiation. The site of the tumor is the most important prognostic factor, because it determines whether the tumor can be surgically removed. Also known as osteogenic sarcoma.
osteoporosis Thinning of the bones, with reduction in bone mass, due to depletion of calcium and bone protein. Osteoporosis predisposes a person to fractures, which are often slow to heal and heal poorly. It is most common in older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, and in patients who take steroids or steroidal drugs. Unchecked osteoporosis can…
osteopetrosis A genetic disease that is characterized by abnormally dense thick bone. A severe autosomal recessive form of osteopetrosis can occur in infants and children, and a milder autosomal dominant form can occur in teens and adults. In the recessive form, the thickened bone obliterates the marrow cavity, causing anemia, and narrows the openings of…
osteopenia Mild thinning of the bone mass. Osteopenia represents a low bone mass and is not as severe as osteoporosis. Osteopenia results when formation of new bone (osteoid synthesis) is not sufficient to offset normal bone loss (osteoid lysis).
osteopathy A system of therapy founded in the 19th century that is based on the concept that the body can formulate its own remedies against diseases when its parts are in a normal structural relationship, it has a normal environment, and it enjoys good nutrition. Although osteopathy takes a holistic approach to medical care, it…
osteopath An osteopathic physician; a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). In most US states, osteopaths complete a course of study equivalent to that of an MD and are licensed to practice medicine. They may prescribe medication and perform surgery, and they often use techniques similar to those used in chiropractic and physical therapy.
osteonecrosis See avascular necrosis.