Category: F

A junction of opposing bones in which fibrous union has not occurred.  

A surgical procedure in which a flap of tissue or periosteum is raised. An amputation flap is a tissue flap produced to cover the amputation stump.  

A stricture caused by muscular spasm.  

Accidental or intentional ingestion of materials such as coins, nails, bottle tops, marbles, and buttons. In some instances, these should be removed endoscopically (e.g., copper coins).  

A noninvasive means of assessing fetal reactivity during labor. It typically is used as an adjunct to nonstress testing. The examiner applies an electronic source of low-frequency sound (such as an electrolarynx) firmly to the mother’s abdomen over the fetal head. A reactive test is characterized by fetal heart rate accelerations or other measurable forms…

An assessment of fetal well-being in which the examiner reaches into the vagina and rubs the scalp of the fetus. The fetal heart rate is monitored for accelerations. If the fetal heart rate does not accelerate appropriately, further testing, such as scalp blood sampling, may be needed.  

Sterilization in which heating is done at intervals so that spores can develop into vegetative bacteria and be destroyed.  

Steam-thermal sterilization in which instruments which are difficult to obtain or replace are placed in superheated (270°F) steam for 3 to 10 min.  

The inability of a female to conceive. This may result from a failure to produce or transport viable ova or to sustain a pregnancy due to a congenital absence or maldevelopment of the reproductive organs. Sterility also may be secondary to endocrine disorders, infections, trauma, neoplasms, inactivation of the ovaries by irradiation, or surgical excision…

A spur sometimes present on the medial and underside of the neck of the femur.