[Definitive Edition] Medical Glossary for Fractures, Surgery, and Rehabilitation | Explained Gently by a Patient Who Experienced It *Constantly Updated

[Introduction]

In this article, I will introduce medical terms that I encountered during my experience with fractures, surgery, and rehabilitation—terms that are not very familiar or often thought about in daily life.

I hope this will be useful not only for those who are facing an unexpected injury and are feeling anxious because they don't fully understand the terms used by their doctor, but also as support for reading my 'Fracture Purgatory Record' with more depth and a sense of realism.

I have consciously avoided difficult expressions and focused on being 'as easy to understand as possible.' I have also added a few words based on my own experiences, so I would be happy if you could enjoy this while learning a little more about the body.

*Please note that this article is based solely on my experience as a patient and an amateur. It is not a professional medical textbook, and I hope you will read it as a reference from the realistic perspective of someone who has been through it.

◆ Disease Names and Diagnoses

・Dislocation
A state in which the contact surfaces of the bones that make up a joint have completely shifted from their original, correct position.

The moment the gears of the world go out of sync, accompanied by pain. Despite the alarming appearance of an abnormal bump on the shoulder, it is not necessarily excruciatingly painful.

・Fracture
A state in which the tissue of a bone has partially or completely lost its continuity (cracked, broken, or shattered) due to a strong external force applied to the bone.

The beginning of everything that stopped my time and became the trigger for starting this note. It is not just a physical injury; the impact on my life, my way of thinking, and the changes that followed are immense.

・CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
An incurable disease of unknown cause where, triggered by trauma such as a fracture or surgery, severe chronic pain, swelling, and joint contractures occur regardless of the severity of the injury, and the complete mechanism of which has not been elucidated even in modern medicine. This also includes disease concepts such as 'Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy'.

The cause of onset is unknown, but 'moving it frequently' is established as a preventive measure. The probability of developing it is low, but I was scared by being told that if it develops and the symptoms are severe, amputation might become an option.

・Right Glenoid Fracture
A state in which the socket for the arm (glenoid cavity) on the scapula has been damaged. A serious fracture where the socket is chipped, meaning the bone resting on it is more prone to falling out (dislocation).

The fear of easily dislocating is always present. It is completely understandable that surgery is the only option declared.

・X-ray
An examination that irradiates the body with X-rays (radiation) and uses the difference in light passing through tissues to project the shape of bones and organs as a black-and-white image. Hard tissues like bones are difficult for X-rays to pass through, so they appear white, while air and soft tissues appear black. It is the most basic and classic diagnostic imaging technique for quickly grasping the presence of fractures or bone displacement.

A photo shoot of light and shadow that exposes the inside of the body. As for checking the results, it used to be standard to insert film into a light box (shaukasten) to view it, but before I knew it, displaying image data on a PC screen has become the mainstream. For young people, it might be easier to say 'X-ray image' instead of 'X-ray photograph'?

・CT (Computed Tomography)
An examination that irradiates the body continuously while rotating 360 degrees around it, and uses high-speed computer processing to finely depict cross-sections (slice images) of the body. While an X-ray is a two-dimensional flat image, a CT can obtain cross-sectional views as if the body were sliced, or three-dimensional '3D images' reconstructed from them.

X-rays are amazing, but the technology of CT, which projects the inside of the body in three dimensions, is beyond comprehension. I would like to get the image data and print it with a 3D printer.
CT stands for Computed Tomography. Computed (calculated/processed by a computer), Tomography (tomography). By the way, Tomography comes from the Greek words 'tomos' meaning 'slice/cross-section' and 'graphein' meaning 'to draw'.

◆ Anesthesia

・Conduction Anesthesia
A technique where anesthetic is injected into the root of the nerves connected to the shoulder or arm to numb pain at a specific point. Also known as a "nerve block injection."

The sensation disappears completely, and you are surprised by how heavy your arm feels, to the point where it doesn't even feel like your own.

・General Anesthesia
Anesthesia administered via a mask or intravenous drip that acts directly on the brain to completely eliminate consciousness and pain during surgery.

When the mask is placed over your face, your consciousness fades rapidly, and you are fast asleep in about 10 seconds. You don't dream, and when you wake up, it feels like only a single breath has passed, but over two hours have gone by. It's scary to think that there is a non-zero chance you might not wake up. I had inhalation anesthesia, but intravenous anesthesia via a drip seems to be more common.

◆ Surgery and Procedures

・Reduction
A procedure where a doctor uses manual techniques to return a joint that has dislocated or a bone that has shifted due to a fracture back to its correct position.

A hellish time spent writhing in intense pain. In exchange, the sense of relief when the bone is successfully set is supreme. Depending on the severity, anesthesia may be used.

・Triangular Bandage (Sling)
A large triangular piece of cloth used to suspend, fix, and support the arm after a fracture, dislocation, or surgery. By distributing the weight of the arm to the neck and shoulders, it keeps the affected area at rest and plays a role in preventing re-injury or worsening pain due to careless movement.

The white cloth that is the quintessential image of a fracture. It wraps not just your arm, but also provides a sense of security.

・Glenoid Repair
A surgical procedure where small holes are made in the shoulder to insert a camera (endoscope), and while checking the interior on a monitor, the damaged glenoid (the shoulder socket) is restored to its original shape and fixed using special anchors (screws with threads).

I had two holes made to insert the camera and instruments. The wounds were surprisingly small, about 1 centimeter in diameter.

・Intravenous Drip
A treatment method where a needle is inserted into a vein to inject fluids, nutrients, or medication (such as antibiotics or painkillers) directly into the bloodstream over time. It allows effects to spread throughout the body quickly and reliably without passing through the digestive tract.

Since I'm used to a wireless life, I find it a bit annoying to have to move around while always attached to a tube. If blood flows back into the tube due to the angle of the arm where the needle is inserted, it makes me panic.

・Blood Transfusion
Supplementing blood components (red blood cells, platelets, plasma, etc.) that have decreased due to massive blood loss from injury or surgery, or due to illness, by injecting them into a vein. There is allogeneic blood transfusion, which uses matched blood from others, and autologous blood transfusion, where you store your own blood in advance.

In the shoulder surgery I had, there was little bleeding, so no transfusion was needed. By the way, I get dizzy and have to lie down even during blood draws for health checkups, so while I want to cooperate with blood donation, I can't find the courage.

・Catheter
A general term for soft, thin medical tubes inserted into the body to inject or drain fluids or to perform examinations. There are many types, including "urinary catheters" passed through the urethra to automatically drain urine during surgery, as well as those used for blood vessels or anesthesia pathways.

I experienced a urinary catheter. The shock of realizing it had been inserted without warning when I woke up from general anesthesia instantly replaced the relief I felt that the surgery was over. I never want to experience the discomfort while it's in or the pain when it's removed ever again.

・Drain (Drainage Tube)
A thin rubber or plastic tube, along with a tank to collect fluid, placed deep inside the body or at a surgical wound using a special needle (guide). It serves to drain unnecessary blood or exudate that accumulates deep in the wound to the outside, preventing swelling or infection inside the body.

The tank that collects unnecessary blood looks like a piece of jewelry with poor taste. It has a heavy, solid weight that must be at least 500 grams.

・Orthosis (Brace)
A general term for medical devices worn on the body for the purpose of fixing or protecting injured or surgical areas, preventing deformities, or supporting movement. Corsets and supporters fall into this category.

The braces for any body part look stylish and cool. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a shame to take them off once I've recovered, but since they are partners you wear for a long time, you do grow attached to them.

・Abduction Brace
A type of orthosis, specifically a specialized fixation device used after shoulder joint surgery or fractures. By inserting a cushion between the torso and the arm, it fixes and protects the shoulder while keeping it at a certain open angle (abduction position). It is worn to prevent the weight of the arm from pulling on the repaired tissues (tendons or joint capsules) and to allow them to heal and attach safely in the position with the least amount of strain.

This is exactly the brace I wore. It's strange, but it makes me feel like my injured right arm has actually been powered up. Although the surface is mesh, it gets incredibly stuffy in the summer. Since I have to wear it even while sleeping, it requires daily disinfection and regular cleaning.

・Pre-operative Hydration Food
A specialized oral rehydration solution consumed during the fasting period immediately before surgery to prevent dehydration and keep electrolyte levels constant. It is intended to prepare the body's internal water environment to withstand surgery while reducing risks during anesthesia.

Breakfast on the day of surgery. The sports drink flavor tasted perfectly fine. I wouldn't be allowed to put anything else in my mouth until the surgery was over.

・Suture Removal
The procedure of removing the threads used to stitch together skin cut open during surgery, or removing medical staples.

It ends in an instant without feeling any pain at all. There is no bleeding either.

◆ Conditions and Symptoms

・Adhesion
A phenomenon where tissues that should normally be separate, such as skin, muscles, and tendons, stick together during the healing process of inflammation caused by injury or surgery.

Since this is a phenomenon that occurs deep within the body, it cannot be easily peeled apart. In severe cases, surgery is an option. Might it be easier to just have surgery rather than continuing the torture of rehabilitation?

・Contracture
A condition where the joint capsule surrounding a joint or the surrounding muscles harden and become difficult to move due to not moving the joint for a long time after an injury or surgery.

The image of screws or gears rusting and not moving at all is close. The gap between something that used to move and now doesn't is mentally taxing.

◆ Movement and Rehabilitation

・Rehabilitation
A series of treatment processes that restore physical functions and abilities diminished by injury or surgery through exercise therapy, physical therapy, etc., leading to daily life and social reintegration. It is not just muscle training, but a comprehensive medical act to rebuild the coordination between the brain, nerves, and muscles, and to regain the 'freedom to move one's body by one's own will.' Generally abbreviated as 'rehab'.

It is a time of both torture and hope, working hand-in-hand with a physical therapist to restore a body that has become surprisingly immobile. The physical therapist who supports my heart when it's about to break is truly a godsend.

・Physical Therapy
A treatment method that aims to restore 'basic movement abilities' essential for daily life, such as rolling over, getting up, standing up, walking, and moving one's arms. It is a major pillar of rehabilitation, alongside 'occupational therapy,' which encourages fine motor skills and social reintegration, and 'speech-language-hearing therapy,' which supports speech and swallowing functions.

One of the three fields of "Rehabilitation Science," alongside "Physical Therapy," "Occupational Therapy," and "Speech-Language-Hearing Therapy." While these terms are common in hospitals, they are guaranteed to make a patient hearing them for the first time think, "What is that?"

・Flexion, Extension
Flexion is the movement of raising your arm straight up in front of your body, while extension is the opposite movement of pulling your arm up toward the back of your body.

You are struck by the despair of not even being able to raise your arms in a 'banzai' gesture and the fear that you might never be able to do a pull-up again, along with the sadness of not being able to do simple things like putting your hand in your back pocket.

・Abduction, Adduction
Abduction is the movement of raising your arm out to the side and upward, while adduction is the opposite movement of closing your opened arm back toward your body.

You cannot spread your arms wide and say, "Come jump into my arms!" It hurts much more to close your arms than it does to raise them as far as you can.

・External Rotation, Internal Rotation
The movement of rotating the forearm (from the elbow down) outward or inward while the elbow is bent at 90 degrees. Depending on the base angle of the arm, these are classified as First Position (from arms down, elbow bent 90 degrees forward), Second Position (from arms raised to the side, elbow bent 90 degrees upward), and Third Position (from arms raised straight forward, elbow bent 90 degrees upward).

I was able to try First and Third positions soon after starting rehab, but I couldn't even reach the starting line for Second position because I couldn't raise my arm. I needed rehab just to be able to do the Second position.

・Passive Exercise
A rehabilitation menu where you do not exert any force yourself, and a physical therapist moves your joints for you.

Since you aren't in control, they move you relentlessly and non-stop, sometimes making you stifle a cry and tear up.

・Pre-Rehabilitation Examination
An examination conducted by the attending physician (or the doctor on duty) before rehabilitation to check the condition of the affected area and assess pain. Vital checks, such as blood pressure measurement, are also performed at the same time.

In "my case," honestly, it wasn't quite as thorough as the description above... I suppose it means I have complete trust in my physical therapist.

・Goniometer
A medical instrument used to measure the range of motion of a joint. It consists of two plastic or metal bars combined with a protractor, and by placing it against the body, it accurately quantifies the angle of the joint.

The protractor of destiny that delivers the absolute judgment of a numerical value. When told there is "no change" here, it feels like all your efforts up to that point have been completely denied, and you feel incredibly depressed.

・Anatomical Atlas
A specialized medical anatomical atlas that visualizes the structures of the human body, such as bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, using precise diagrams. It is used to intuitively grasp complex three-dimensional structures that are difficult to understand with text alone, and is frequently opened when physical therapists explain treatment plans or muscle connections to patients.

A work of art that lets you feel the mystery of the human body. The pages are filled with vivid, colorful depictions of the body's interior using red and blue, but since this is just for clarity, don't say things like, "I didn't know the inside of the body was so colorful."

◆ Bones and Tissues

・Scapula (Shoulder Blade)
A pair of large, triangular bones on the upper back. They serve as the foundation connecting the torso to the arms and play a central role in supporting the complex movements of the shoulder joint.

The so-called "angel wings." You will feel an unbelievable weight that is the exact opposite of the light, airy image of wings.

・Humerus
The thickest and longest bone in the arm, connecting the shoulder to the elbow. The spherical part at the top of this bone (the humeral head) fits into the socket of the scapula, allowing the arm to move freely.

Unlike simple joints like knees or fingers that move in only one direction, the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with a wide range of motion that can move freely. That is precisely why recovery after a fracture is so grueling.

・Glenoid Cavity
A shallow, saucer-shaped depression on the outer side of the scapula (shoulder blade). By receiving the head of the humerus (the top of the upper arm bone), it forms the base of the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint).

The "vessel" for the arm. Because it has a very shallow, saucer-like structure, it allows the arm to rotate freely, but it also has the fragility of being easily compromised and prone to dislocation once it receives a major impact.

・Humeral Head
The spherical, bulging top part of the long bone (humerus) that connects the shoulder to the elbow. By fitting into the socket known as the glenoid cavity, it enables smooth rotational movement of the shoulder.

A dislocation occurs when this spherical bone head pops completely out of its socket, and a fracture occurs when it breaks due to a strong impact.

・Joint Capsule
A sturdy, fibrous membrane (sac) that wraps around the entire joint. It has a two-layer structure: the outer layer is a strong membrane that stabilizes the joint to prevent dislocation, and the inner layer secretes "synovial fluid" (lubricant) to smooth joint movement. If left immobile for a long period, this membrane itself shrinks and hardens, which is the main cause of "contracture," where the joint becomes unable to move.

Massaging to deliver force here requires delicate technique. Because it wouldn't move at all, I even came up with a mysterious theory that "since it's called fluid, maybe drinking lots of water will promote secretion," and tried chugging water.

◆ Muscles

・Rotator Cuff
A collective term for the four inner muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that firmly connect the scapula to the humerus and stabilize the shoulder joint. They are also called the rotator cuff in English.

The "Four Heavenly Kings" that govern shoulder stability. It is all thanks to them that the shoulder rotates smoothly. If even one of them is injured, it immediately affects shoulder movement and leads to intense pain.

・Outer Muscles
A collective term for the large, visible muscles located near the surface of the body. They are mainly used to exert great force or to move joints significantly.

These are the so-called "show muscles." They are the stars that play a major role in heavy labor and sports, but even if you train only these, if the inner muscles of the shoulder are broken, your arm won't lift even a millimeter.

・Inner Muscles
A collective term for the relatively small muscles located deep within the body. They have the role of stabilizing joints in the correct position and supporting smooth movement.

The "unsung heroes" that cannot be seen from the outside. It is difficult for the average person to consciously train them, but athletes train these to enable delicate movements.

◆ Medical Team

・Orthopedic Surgeon
A doctor who specializes in treating diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, such as bones, joints, muscles, and nerves. They perform diagnoses based on imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, and are the overall supervisors of treatment who plan and implement surgeries, procedures, and drug therapies.

The general director of my right shoulder regeneration project. They are god and Buddha to me, but the sadistic streak they show when they mercilessly lift my arm in the exam room to check my range of motion is demonic.

・Anesthesiologist
A doctor who specializes in managing all anesthesia procedures and the patient's overall condition related to treatment, including not only the management of general anesthesia during surgery but also nerve blocks to eliminate pain before and after surgery.

A "sleep wizard" who vividly flips the switch on your consciousness. Since they put you to sleep in seconds during the actual procedure, you have almost no memory of the operating room. The first anesthesiologist I met was incredibly beautiful, so I only have good impressions.

・Nurse
A professional who provides nursing care during hospitalization, assists with doctor's examinations, and supports surgeries. They check patients' vitals (life signs) 24/7 and are responsible for physical and mental care.

Real-life angels in white who support your hospital life. That said, they rarely actually wear white coats, likely preferring sports-like attire for ease of movement. Thanks to these people, I can spend my hospital life without any inconvenience.

・Radiologic Technologist
A professional who takes medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. They accurately capture see-through images of the body so that doctors can make correct diagnoses and perform surgeries.

They surpass the number of times we ordinary people say "Okay, please hold your breath" in a lifetime in just a single day. I take my hat off to their brains, which use trial and error to find the right poses for shooting based on the patient's injury condition.

・Physical Therapist
A professional who performs rehabilitation using exercise therapy and physical therapy to restore physical functions that have declined due to injury or surgery.

A demon coach who works in tandem with you to get your stopped time moving again. They are a terrifying presence who will push your stiff joints past their limits with a "creak...", but they are also the best partners who will celebrate with you when you make progress.

・Pharmacist
A professional who, based on prescriptions issued by doctors, dispenses and audits pharmaceuticals and provides medication guidance to patients. They are stationed not only in local pharmacies but also within hospitals, and are specifically responsible for dispensing IV drips and oral medications, as well as managing the safety of combining multiple drugs, especially during hospitalization and surgery.

When I go to pick up medicine, they often ask, "How are you doing today?" making them great listeners who make me want to talk about all sorts of things. Even if you think the hospital bill was "relatively cheap," your wallet might feel lighter at this pharmacy.

・Registered Dietitian
A professional who creates menus and manages meals considering nutritional balance according to the medical condition and physical state of hospitalized patients. They are also in charge of nutritional guidance for maintaining health after discharge.

I was moved by their thoughtfulness, not only in adjusting the menu for each patient's allergies but also in giving instructions to include a "spoon" with every meal for me because I couldn't use my dominant hand.

・Prosthetist and Orthotist
A professional who, under a doctor's instructions, takes measurements and manufactures orthoses such as corsets, casts, and supporters tailored to the patient's body.

A tailor for the body who appears with the actual orthosis tucked under their arm. Since they are a separate contractor from the hospital, payment for the orthosis is handled through a different route than medical treatment fees.

・Medical Office Clerk
Staff members who handle patient reception and guidance at the hospital counter, manage medical records, and perform medical fee calculation and billing tasks. Although they do not require a mandatory national license like doctors or nurses, they possess highly specialized knowledge regarding medical insurance systems and complex procedures.

They are the de facto "face of the hospital" who welcome us first when we rush into the hospital full of anxiety. Their overwhelming amount of knowledge, where they can answer anything you ask, makes them professionals in a different vector than doctors.
I would love to hear over a drink how they acquired that level of knowledge; they are the profession I most want to be friends with right now.

◆ Consultation/Procedures

・Certificate of Instruction and Fitting for Therapeutic Orthosis

A document certifying that a doctor has deemed a specific orthosis necessary for treatment and that it has actually been fitted. With this, you can apply to your health insurance provider to get back the portion of the high-cost orthosis fee that you initially paid in full (100%), returning it to your actual co-payment ratio (30%).

An incredibly important document that lets you recover 70% of the cost you paid. It's not just for fractures; getting injured costs a lot of money, so make sure to get back what you can.

・Consent Form
A document signed by the patient after receiving a full explanation from a doctor regarding the details and potential complications of medical procedures that carry certain risks, such as surgery, blood transfusions, or anesthesia. It is a legally important document used to prove informed consent.

You are forced to make a decision on signing while feeling terrified by the explanation of the risks. Doctor, I am counting on you.

・High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System
A system where, if the total medical expenses incurred in a single month (from the beginning to the end of the month) exceed a certain limit, the excess amount is covered by public medical insurance (such as the health insurance you are enrolled in). The self-pay limit is determined based on age and income, and it plays a role in dramatically reducing the individual's financial burden for long-term hospitalizations or treatments involving expensive surgeries.

By setting an upper limit, anyone can receive high-quality medical care, which tends to be expensive. I am grateful for the insurance premiums and taxes paid by everyone that serve as the financial source, including the remaining 70% on top of the usual 30% co-pay.

・Standard Calculation Limit Days
The maximum number of days set by the government during which you can receive rehabilitation using public medical insurance. For musculoskeletal rehabilitation such as for fractures, it is strictly set at "150 days" from the onset or surgery, and once this deadline is reached, rehabilitation covered by insurance generally ends.

150 days, which is 5 months. Whether this feels like "there are 5 whole months" or "there are only 5 months" remains to be seen...

・University Hospital
A "Specific Function Hospital" that is an affiliated facility of a university's medical or dental school, responsible not only for clinical practice but also for the development of advanced medical technology, clinical research, and the education of medical professionals. It is a top-tier facility equipped with the best equipment and specialists in each field, capable of handling intractable fractures and special surgeries that are difficult to manage at general hospitals.

A white palace where the highest wisdom and cutting-edge technology gather. It is a sanctuary crowded with the highest-ranking healing mages (expert doctors) and many magical tools (state-of-the-art medical equipment). While it offers an absolute sense of security that it can lead to regeneration no matter how complex the physical damage, it is a place where the chosen few end up, requiring the resolve to endure the trial of getting lost in a labyrinth that is too vast and waiting for hours. In any case, it is huge.