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.
Autologous
bone: 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.
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Biocompatible: Biologically
compatible when placed in the body. It most often refers to a synthetic
material which has been formulated to be used in humans without
causing any harm or immunological response.
Bone
fusion: A surgical procedure in which bone or a device
(such as GEM OS®1)
is used to unite bones, so that motion can no longer occur between
them.
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Calcaneocuboid
fusion: A procedure (see ankle joint fusion) in which
the calcaneus (heel) bone is surgically fused to the cuboid.
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.
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Double
fusion: A procedure (see ankle joint fusion) involving
both the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints.
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Hindfoot: the
rear part of the human foot (the heel area) that comprises the
calcaneus, talus, navicular, and cuboid bones
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Investigational
device: A device that is still in clinical trials (clinical
research study) and can only be used as part of this study.
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NSAIDs: Stands
for “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.” This would include
medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, but not cortisone, which
is a steroid.
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Subtalar
fusion: A procedure (see ankle joint fusion) in which
the talus is surgically fused to the calcaneus (heel) bone.
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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).
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Call the nurse-staffed information line 1-866-921-6996 Mon–Thurs.,
7 am–7 pm and Friday, 7 am–6 pm,
CST for more information or to find out if you might be eligible
to participate in this clinical research study.
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