WORD ROOT 

FOR

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

Ankyl/o

Ankyl/o

     Stiff, Bent

Example

    Ankylosis

         Abnormal stiffening & immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bone, often caused by injury or disease

Arthr/o

Ankyl/o

    Stiff, Bent

Example

     Ankylosis

          Abnormal stiffening & immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bone, often caused by injury or disease

Arthr/o

Arthr/o

   Joint

Example

   Arthritis

      Inflammation of a joint often resulting in pain, swelling & stiffness which can be caused by aging autoimmune disorders or injury

Carp/o

Carp/o

    Carpals, wrist

Example

    Carpectomy

        Surgical removal of a carpal bone typically performed to relieve pain or improve wrist function

Chondr/o

Chondr/0

    Cartilage

Example

    Chondromalacia

         Softening of cartilage commonly affecting the knee & leading to pain & swelling during movement

Clavic/o Clavicul/o

Clavicle, Collarbone

Example

     Clavicectomy

         Excision of the clavicle, usually performed to treat severe fracture or chronic pain

Cost/a

Cost/a

Example

   Costochondritis

       Inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum causing localized chest pain that can mimic heart related conditions

Crani/o

Crani/o

    Cranium

Example

     Craniotomy

          Surgical incision into the cranium to access the brain for procedures such as tumor removal or trauma management.

Electr/o

electr/o

    electricity: electrical activity

Example:

      Electromyogravity

           A diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the muscles to detect neuromuscular disorder

Fasci/o

Fasci/o

   Fascia

Example

   Fasciotomy

        A surgical incision into fascia to relieve tension or pressure, often used to treat compartment syndrome

Fibr/o

Fibr/o

    Fibrous, connective tissue

Example

   Fibromyalgia

      A condition characterized by widespread pain in fibrous tissues & muscles often accompanied by fatigue & sleep disturbances

Kinesi/o

Kinesi/o

    Movement, Motion

Example

     Kinesiology

          The study of movement & how the body's muscles, bones & joints work together to produce motion

Kyph/o

Kyph/o

     Increased convexity of the spine

Example

    Kyphosis

         Excessive outward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunched posturen commonly seen in order adults

Lamia/o

lamia/o

   lamina (thin plate or layer)

Example:

     Laminactomy

         Surgical removal of a portion of the vertebral lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.