Dictionary

flexion The process of bending, or the state of being bent. For example, flexion of the fingers results in a clenched fist.

Flexner Report A report, the full name of which is “Medical Education in the United States and Canada.” The 1910 report is named for its author, professional educator Abraham Flexner, who researched and wrote this report for the Carnegie Foundation. At the time that the report was written, many medical schools were proprietary schools operated…

fibroma, collagenous See fibroma, desmoplastic.

fibroma, desmoplastic A rare type of primary bone tumor that is characteristically composed of well-differentiated cells that produce collagen. Desmoplastic fibromas are discovered most often in the first three decades of life, in the mandible (the femur and pelvis are also favored sites). Although benign, these tumors infiltrate locally and may cause pain and swelling…

fibroma, ossifying See fibroma, cementoossifying.

fibromatosis A condition characterized by multiple fibromas. See also fibroma.

fibromyalgia A disease characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints, without detectable inflammation. Fibromyalgia does not cause body damage or deformity. However, undue fatigue plagues 90 percent of patients with fibromyalgia. Sleep disorder is also common in patients with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be associated with other rheumatic conditions, and irritable…

fibrosarcoma A malignant tumor consisting of fibroblasts (connective tissue cells that produce the collagen found in scar tissue) Fibrosarcoma may occur as a mass in the soft tissues or may be found in bone. An infantile form of fibrosarcoma which occurs in children less than one year of age has an excellent prognosis when appropriately…

fibrosis, radiation Scarring of the lungs from radiation. Radiation fibrosis is a consequence of the repair process that follows radiation pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs due to radiation), as from radiation therapy. Radiation fibrosis typically occurs within months to a few years after the completion of radiation treatments. Whereas the inflammation of radiation pneumonitis is…

fibrous dysplasia, monostotic See monostotic fibrous dysplasia.

fibrous dysplasia, polyostotic See polyostotic fibrous dysplasia.

fibula The smaller of the two bones in the lower leg. The end of the fibula forms the bony prominence of the outer ankle.