articulation disorder A speech disorder involving difficulties in articulating specific types of sounds. Articulation disorders often involve substitution of one sound for another, slurring of speech, or indistinct speech. Treatment is speech therapy.
articulation 1 In medicine, the joint where bones come together. See also joint. 2 In dentistry, the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, where the teeth come together. 3 In speech, the production of intelligible words and sentences by joining together the lips, tongue, palate, and other structures.
arthrosis See joint.
arthroscopy A surgical technique in which a tube-like instrument is inserted into a joint to inspect, diagnose, and repair tissues. It is most commonly performed in patients with diseases of the knees or shoulders.
arthroscopic Related to arthroscopy.
arthroscope A thin, flexible fiberoptic scope that is introduced into a joint space through a small incision in order to carry out diagnostic and treatment procedures within the joint. An arthroscope is fitted with a miniature camera, a light source, and precision tools at the end of flexible tubes. See also arthroscopy.
arthropathy Joint disease.
arthrogryposis Joint contractures that develop before birth and are evident at birth. With arthrogryposis there is a lack of the normal range of motion in one or more joints. In normal embryonic development, joints can be seen moving by 8 weeks of gestation. This motion of joints is essential to the proper development of the…
arthrocentesis A procedure in which a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain fluid from the joint. This is usually done as an office procedure or at the bedside in the hospital. For certain conditions, medication is put into the joint after fluid removal. The needle is then removed, and a bandage or dressing…
arthritis mutilans An extremely severe form of chronic rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis characterized by resorption of bones and the consequent collapse of soft tissue. When this affects the hands, it can cause a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “telescoping fingers.”
arthritis in children Arthritis in children, usually in the form of juvenile/pediatric arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. See also arthritis, systemiconset juvenile rheumatoid.
arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid A form of joint disease in children whose systemic signs and symptoms include high intermittent fever, a salmon-colored skin rash, swollen lymph glands, enlargement of the liver and spleen, inflammation of the lungs (pleuritis), and inflammation around the heart (pericarditis). The arthritis itself may not be immediately apparent, but in time…