What is a triple arthrodesis surgery? A triple arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that fuses three joints of the ankle and relieves pain from arthritis. A triple arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that fuses three joints of the ankle. It is used to relieve pain from arthritic, deformed, or unstable joints. Generally, surgeons try to …
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What is the endocannabinoid system? The endocannabinoid system is a nerve signaling system throughout the human body that helps maintain physiological, emotional and cognitive stability. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex nerve cell signaling system that modulates the central nervous system’s function and helps maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium in the body in which all the …
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What are volar splints? Volar splints minimize movements and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury of the palm or foot, which also reduces pain and helps the injury heal faster. 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 …
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What is hypothermia? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Picture of the stages of frostbite Hypothermia is defined as a body temperature (core, or internal body temperature) of less than about 95 F (35 C). Usually, hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature regulation is overwhelmed by a cold environment. However, in the medical and lay literature there are essentially two …
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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 …
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Smoker's lung introduction Picture of normal airway and lung Cigarette smoking is associated with a wide variety of abnormalities throughout the body that cause not only illness, but also, all too often, death. Indeed, if all deaths from diseases related to smoking (lung disease, heart disease, and cancers of many different organs) were considered, a case could be made for …
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What is superficial heat and cold therapy? Superficial cold therapy can reduce swelling and pain. Superficial heat therapy can reduce pain, and increase muscle relaxation. Superficial heat and cold therapy are adjunctive therapy used for pain control and sports injury treatment. These therapies exert their effects at a depth of 1-2 cm. In general, these therapies limit tissue damage, control …
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What is a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)? A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) connects the hepatic vein and portal vein in the liver with a stent. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an artificial connection that is created by a radiologist between two veins (hepatic vein and portal vein) in the liver. These veins are connected by a …
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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 …
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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 …
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