Medical dictionary

What is a partial knee replacement? A partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure where, unlike in a full knee replacement, only the damaged or injured part of the knee is removed and replaced. It generally causes less pain and allows the patient a faster recovery, due to the fact that it is a less invasive operation and preserves more of the natural joint. What conditions does a pa

What is analysed? The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT or PTT) is a laboratory test that measures the time (in seconds) that it takes for blood clotting to occur when specific reagents are added to plasma (the liquid component of blood) in a test tube. The test is an indication of the functionality of the intrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade, which is used by the

What is Parvovirus B19? Parvovirus B19 is a contagious virus that belongs to the Parvoviridae family. It primarily affects children, but adults can also be affected. This virus is notorious for causing erythema infectiosum, also known as fifth disease, a common childhood rash illness. Additionally, Parvovirus B19 can lead to complications in certain populations, such as pregnant women and indiv

What is patch testing?      Patch testing, sometimes referred to as epicutaneous skin testing, is a test used to find out what allergen is causing inflammation upon skin contact.                                      What does patch testing involve? &nb

What is it?Kneecap dislocation is a common injury in teenagers between 14 and 17 years old, especially among the athletic population. The kneecap (patella) is displaced from its natural position within the patello-femural joint, being forced away from the midline. Kneecap dislocation often leads to ligaments and cartilage damage. It is important to make the distinction between kneecap disloca

What is patellar tendonitis? The patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the tibia, works with the muscles in the front of the thigh to extend the knee and allow running, jumping, walking, etc. Patellar tendonitis (also known as jumper's knee) is when this tendon is injured or overloaded. This condition is more common in athletes whose sport involves frequent jumping, such as bask

What is it? The patent foramen ovale (PFO), also known by its colloquial name of “hole in the heart”, is a cardiac defect consisting in a small hole in the cardiac muscle, located between the right and left upper chamber (atria) of the heart. PFO is normal in babies when they are still in the womb, because a baby’s lungs are not working yet and that small hole allows blood to circulate b

What is analysed? The PCA3 (prostate cancer antigen 3) gene is a gene that encodes a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecule found in prostate cells. PCA3 is very expressed (active) in prostate cancer cells compared to normal prostate tissue. The PCA3 test measures the level of PCA3 mRNA in prostate cells collected from a urine sample. The PCA3 gene's specificity for prostate cancer cells

What are pearly penile papules? Pearly penile papules (PPPs), also known as genital angiofibroma or histoid papilloma, are benign, small growths occurring in clusters or rows on the head of the penis. Typically, they are flesh-coloured or white and look like pimples, but the size and colour can vary depending on the individual.       Are pearly penile papul