Dictionary

oximetry catheter See catheter, oximetry.

oxygen The odorless gas that is present in the air and necessary to maintain life. Oxygen may be given in a medical setting, either to reduce the volume of other gases in the blood or as a vehicle for delivering anesthetics in gas form. It can be delivered via nasal tubes, an oxygen mask, or…

oxygen chamber, hyperbaric See hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

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…

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…

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.

osteotomy Taking out part or all of a bone, or cutting into or through bone.

osteotomy, block Surgical removal of a section of bone.

osteotomy, cuneiform Surgical removal of a triangular piece of bone.

osteotomy, displacement Surgical reconfiguration of a bone by changing its physical relationship to other bones.

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.

OT 1 Occupational therapist. 2 Occupational therapy.