The menisci are two crescent-shaped, fibrocartilage discs located in the articular cavity between both ends of the femur and the articular surface of the tibia. Acting in conjunction with the cartilage layers surrounding the bones of the joint, these discs serve as something of a shock absorber by changing shape and position in response to stress on the joint. In so doing, they help distribute pressure across the greatest possible surface area. The menisci also surround the femoral condyles and link them to the surface of the tibial plateau.

Acts to increase the leverage of the anterior (quadriceps) muscles of the thigh acting across the knee to the shinbone when straightening the knee.

Stabilises the knee on the outer (lateral) side of the joint.

The lateral epicondyle of the humerus is a small, tuberculated eminence, curved a little forward, and giving attachment to the radial collateral ligament of the elbow-joint. (also see Tennis Elbow)

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) refers to an inflammatory or degenerative change to the lateral (radial) epicondyle (epicondylus radialis) that results from overexertion of the joint. Conservative therapy constitutes the first line of treatment, with surgical intervention indicated only if pain becomes constant. (See Lateral epicondylitis)

Common term denoting the system of lateral ligaments of the upper ankle joint. Because it links the lateral ankle (malleolus) to the heel bone (calcaneus) and the ankle bone (talus), the outer ligaments play a key role in stabilising the ankle joint.

A term frequently used by medical professionals to denote an entire complex of ligaments such as the lateral ligaments, a common term referring to what is actually a system of three individual ligaments located on the outer ankle and functioning as a single unit.

Low back pain.

The portion of the spinal canal located in the lower back.

Painful irritation of the spinal and sciatic nerves and tension in the muscles of the back, often radiating outwards into the buttocks and thigh.

The lumbar spine (L-spine) consists of five lumbar vertebrae and allows the torso to bend, stretch, move from side to side and rotate (slightly) around the axis of the body. A variety of frequent complaints can result from any number of degenerative changes to the L-spine. These changes include osteoarthritis of the vertebral joints or damage to the intervertebral discs.

(Abbr.: MRI) MRIs are ideally suited to diagnosing damage and changes to the soft tissues (such as injury to the cruciate ligament of the knee) and to the intervertebral discs, and, unlike CAT scans, do not expose patients to radiation.

Stabilises the knee on the inner (medial) side of the joint.

The medial epicondyle of the humerus, larger and more prominent than the lateral epicondyle, is directed a little backward; it gives attachment to the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow-joint. (See Golfer’s Elbow)

Also called pitcher’s elbow, this condition is far less common than tennis elbow. It affects the ulnar (medial) epicondyle, which is precisely the opposite side of the elbow affected in tennis elbow. (See Golfer’s elbow)

The median nerve (Nervus medianus) runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, innervating the thumb and the index, middle and ring fingers.

The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Each knee has two menisci (plural of meniscus)-one at the outer edge of the knee and one at the inner edge. The menisci keep your knee steady by balancing your weight across the knee. A torn meniscus can prevent your knee from working right.

A surgical technique resulting in as little damage as possible to the affected tissues. Minimally invasive procedures are performed by means of tiny incisions through which an endoscope or arthroscope is inserted and used to perform the surgery.

Abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging

The scaphoid (navicular bone or os scaphoideum) is the carpal bone located on the radial side of the wrist. Frequently occurring when an individual falls on the wrist, scaphoid fractures are typically immobilised for 12 weeks using a plaster cast.

The median nerve (Nervus medianus) runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, innervating the thumb and the index, middle and ring fingers.

External stabilising devices with rigid or semi-rigid components and, in some cases, with adjustable degrees of movement (e.g. in knee orthotics).

Osteoarthritis is caused by damage to the joint, which can result from various conditions, including infections, poor posture and other malpositions (knock-kneed or bowlegged stance) or incorrect or excessive strain on the joint. If the cartilage layer flattens out, for instance, x-rays will show that the articular cavity has also been flattened.

Patellar tracking disorder occurs when the kneecap (patella) shifts out of place as the leg bends or straightens. In most cases, the kneecap shifts too far toward the outside of the leg, although in a few people it shifts toward the inside.

Pain surrounding the kneecap for which a variety of conditions may be responsible.

A blanket term covering all rehabilitation treatments, such as active/passive therapy, lymph drainage, massage, balneotherapy, and all forms of movement therapy.

Also known as golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis, this condition is far less common than tennis elbow. It affects the ulnar (medial) epicondyle, which is precisely the opposite side of the elbow affected in tennis elbow. (See Medial epicondylitis)

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.

Stimulation of nerve receptors by stretching or applying pressure. The aim of proprioception is to stimulate a dynamic, reflex-like response of the musculature that serves to stabilise and improve fine motor control of a joint. External stabilising devices, such as tapes, joint supports or orthotics, have a proprioceptive effect.

The proximal end of the radius, the radial head, is held to the ulna by an annular ligament that allows the forearm to rotate both outwards and inwards.

The radius and ulna together form the shaft of the forearm.

All measures taken to restore a patient’s health and to integrate the individual into normal (professional) life (medical, occupational and social integration).