Medical dictionary

What is percutaneous foot surgery?Percutaneous foot surgery, also known as minimal incision surgery, is a novel surgical technique to treat foot pathologies affecting the bones or soft tissues.Local anaesthesia is used in practically all cases, leading to a very significant reduction in anaesthesia-related complications.  Why is percutaneous foot surgery done?The most common pathologies

What is analysed? Respiratory pathogens are microorganisms that have the potential to cause respiratory infections or diseases in humans. Common respiratory pathogens include: Viruses: Examples include influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2, and adenoviruses. Bacteria: Examples include streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, mycoplasma pneum

What is eardrum perforation? Perforation of the eardrum is a rupture or hole produced in the membrane that separates the middle ear from the outer ear. This injury can cause infections by the entrance of bacteria to the ear, even causing hearing loss. However, in most cases a perforated ear drum will heal itself within a few weeks. If you think you have a perforated eardrum, see your GP.

What is a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO)? Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a surgical procedure used to treat certain hip conditions, particularly hip dysplasia in young adults and acetabular retroversion. It involves repositioning the acetabulum, the socket part of the hip joint, to improve its coverage of the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint). By reorienting the acetabu

What is analysed? During pericardial fluid analysis, various components and aspects of the pericardial fluid are examined. This includes assessing cell counts, protein levels, and the presence of any abnormal substances. What does the result mean? The results of the analysis carry crucial implications in a medical context. They can reveal the presence of infections, inflammation, or o

What is pericarditis? Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin outer sac that surrounds the heart. The pericardium holds the heart in place and helps it to function properly. The pericardium is made up of two thin layers of tissue, which are separated by a fluid. Pericarditis can be either acute, chronic or recurrent. Acute pericarditis comes on suddenly, and th

What is peri-implantitis? Peri-implantitis is a dental implant infection, which can occur following dental implants if proper dental hygiene is not followed.  Symptoms of peri-implantitis: An infected dental implant (peri-implantitis) may cause the following symptoms: bleeding or pus fever throbbing pain redness and swelling in the gums bad breath difficulty

What is perimenopause? Perimenopause, sometimes also called the ‘menopause transition’, is the period leading up to the menopause. Menopause, which is the more well-known term, is the medical definition of the permanent end of menstrual cycles. Perimenopause starts when the first features of approaching the menopause occur such as menopausal symptoms and menstrual changes, and en

What are perineal wounds?A perineal wound is often sustained at childbirth. This may be in the form of a tear at the time of the delivery or a planned cut called an episiotomy. The perineal tear may involve the skin of the perineum and the lining of the vagina alone when it is superficial, but can extend to the muscles of the perineum and, at its worst, involve the muscles around the back passage