GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Ankle joint fusion: A surgical procedure in which the damaged portions of your ankle are removed and bone “harvested” from another area of your body (usually your hip or leg) will be used to fill in the gaps. The bones are usually then held together with screws until healing is completed. Autograft: Bone that is taken (or harvested) from your body to be used in a fusion procedure. In most cases, the bone is taken from your hip or leg. Arthritis: An inflammation of the joint often accompanied by pain, swelling or stiffness. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis (also called degenerative arthritis), which occurs when the cartilage in the bone breaks down, reducing the cushioning of the joint. It is most common in the feet, hips, fingers and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the joints, causing hot, painful swelling. Arthrodesis: Fusion of two or more joints. Bone fusion: A surgical procedure in which bone or a device (such as Augment™ Injectable) is used to unite bones, so that motion can no longer occur between them. Calcaneocuboid fusion: A procedure (see ankle joint fusion) in which the calcaneus (heel) bone is surgically fused to the cuboid. Foot Fact: The 52 bones and 66 joints of the foot and ankle must work in concert to enable pain-free movement. Clinical research study: A type of research study in which the safety and effectiveness of an investigational device is evaluated. The study is overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is generally carried out in a medical facility, such as a hospital. Double fusion: A procedure (see ankle joint fusion) involving both the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints. Hindfoot: the rear part of the human foot (the heel area) that comprises the calcaneus, talus, navicular, and cuboid bones Investigational device: A device that is still in clinical trials (clinical research study) and can only be used as part of this study. NSAIDs: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – these include common over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Subtalar fusion: A procedure (see ankle joint fusion) in which the talus is surgically fused to the calcaneus (heel) bone. Talonavicular fusion: A procedure (see ankle joint fusion) in which the talus is surgically fused to the navicular. Triple arthrodesis: Surgical fusion of the subtalar, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints (see ankle joint fusion). |
