Category: S

Air bubbles in tissue, not in the lungs. Surgical emphysema is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of air in the tissues beneath the skin, typically observed after surgery or injury. This condition often arises as a complication of pneumothorax, which involves the abnormal presence of air in the pleural cavity between the lung and the…

A procedure which uses a knife or electrode which is heated by a strong electric current until it coagulates tissue. Diathermy of high frequency for electrocoagulation or cauterization.  

A specially made boot for a person who has an unusually shaped foot, to support or correct it.  

A fitted covering, worn to support part of the back, chest or abdomen.  

Referring to surgery. Referring to a disease. which can be treated by surgery. When used in reference to therapy (treatment), “surgical” means “by the use of surgical methods, operation and manipulation.” It is contrasted with “medical,” which means non-surgical, the avoidance of surgical methods.  

A government official responsible for all aspects of public health. The head medical officer in the US Air Force, Navy, Army, US Public Health Service, or any one of the states’ public health services. Generally a commissioned (military) officer as well as a doctor. The chief medical officer in each branch of the armed forces…

The top layer of something. The exterior boundary of an object. The external layer of the body; a term often used in anatomy to refer to bones.  

Tachycardia coming from the upper chambers of the heart. Common pathologic tachycardia characterized by abrupt onset of a rapid, regular heart rate, often too fast to count. An unusually fast but regular beating of the heart, occurring for periods that may last several hours or days. In most people with this abnormality the heart rate…

Above the sternum.