What is transmetatarsal amputation? Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) surgically removes a part of the foot that includes the metatarsals, which is used to treat a severely infected foot or a foot with lack of oxygen supply. Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) involves surgical removal of a part of the foot that includes the metatarsals. Metatarsals are the five …
Read More »What Is the Function of the Ovary?
What is the function of the ovaries in the body? The function of the ovary is to generate and release female gametes, that is, the eggs that combine with sperm to create a fetus. Ovaries also release many vital hormones. The ovaries release at least one egg each month for possible fertilization. Ovaries are an important part of the female reproductive …
Read More »What Is Nasal Reconstruction?
Can the nose be reconstructed? Nasal reconstruction procedures are common and well established. They may be necessary for congenital defects or after severe facial injury, or people may seek the surgery for cosmetic reasons. The nose is one of the most important aspects of facial aesthetics. Fortunately for people with severe injuries, congenital deformities or concerns about their appearance, nose …
Read More »What Are the Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis?
What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system, specifically the myelin sheath that insulates and protects nerve fibers. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) by damaging and destroying the protective myelin sheath around the nerve fibers. Someone with …
Read More »What Is an Ulnar Gutter Splint Used For?
What are splints? An ulnar gutter splint is a flexible splint that is used to support, stabilize, and immobilize injuries, dislocations and fractures of the hands, fingers, or wrists. Splints are usually applied to reduce movement and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury. They are primarily used during nonemergency injuries to the bones or ligaments until they can …
Read More »What Is a Transhiatal Esophagectomy?
What is esophageal cancer? In an esophagectomy, a surgical procedure to remove esophageal cancer, some or all of the swallowing tube (esophagus) is removed and then reconstructed by using part of another organ. The esophagus is a long hollow muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach. Esophageal cancer originates from any of the layers of the esophagus. It …
Read More »What Is a Single-Port Appendectomy Technique?
What is a single-port surgery? A single-port appendectomy technique involves the removal of the appendix (appendectomy) using a single-port laparoscopic surgery. A single-port surgery is performed through a single incision (cut) in the navel. It is less invasive surgery than traditional laparoscopic surgery. The major advantages of single-port surgery are minimal scarring, less discomfort, faster recovery and fewer complications. What …
Read More »What Is a Hemiarthroplasty of the Shoulder? 4 Recovery Phases
What is a hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder? A hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder involves the replacement of the ball (humeral head) with the prosthesis, and the socket (glenoid) is left intact. A hemiarthroplasty is a surgical procedure that replaces one half of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), …
Read More »What Are the Five Warning Signs of Breast Cancer?
What is breast cancer? A lump in the breast or armpit, changes in breast skin and changes to the nipple are all potential early warning signs of breast cancer. When the cells of the breast tissue grow at an abnormal rate and their growth cannot be controlled by the body’s immune system, it is called breast cancer. When the cancer …
Read More »What Are the Different Types of Headaches?
What is a headache? There are more than 150 types of headache caused by various factors, either primary like migraines or tensions headaches, or secondary as a symptom of illnesses. Pain originating in any region of the face, head or neck is called headache. This pain can be dull or severe and localized to the face, skull or neck. The …
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