Glossary

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  • Amyloid degeneration

    Degeneration of organs or tissues from amyloid deposits. The deposits are waxy and translucent and have a hyaline appearance. The liver, spleen, and kidneys are usually involved, but any tissue may be infiltrated. A waxy deterioration happens in chronic diseases like tuberculosis, where starch-like substances accumulate in body tissues. This inhibits the function of organs…

  • Degeneracy

    The ability of structurally differing molecules to perform overlapping, redundant, or equivalent functions. This ability is a characteristic of some nucleic acid codons (which code for the same amino acid despite having differing base pairs) and some molecules used by the immune system.  

  • Defuse

    To remove a fuse from an explosive device. A mindfulness process of preventing the fusing or merging of the self with disturbing or stressful thoughts.  

  • Silverfork deformity

    The peculiar deformity seen in Colies’ fracture of the forearm, resembling the curve on the back of a fork.  

  • Seal fin deformity

    Obsolete term for ulnar deviation of the fingers in rheumatoid arthritis.  

  • Pseudoboutonniere deformity

    Finger posture marked by extension of the metacarpophalangeal and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints and flexion of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This condition outwardly resembles a boutonniere deformity. It can be diagnosed by performing the boutonniere deformity examination and asking the patient to flex the DIP joint extension of the PIP joint. If the patient…

  • Habit-tic deformity

    Horizontal sharp grooving in a band across the tip of the nailbed. It is caused by biting or picking the proximal nail fold of the thumb with the index fingernail.  

  • Gunstock deformity

    A deformity in which the forearm, when extended, makes an angle with the arm because of displacement of the axis of the extended arm. It is caused by a condylar fracture at the elbow.  

  • Boutonniere deformity

    Finger position marked by extension of the metacarpophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints and flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint. This condition outwardly resembles a pseudoboutonniere deformity.  

  • Anterior deformity

    Abnormal anterior convexity of the spine.  

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