Coxa vara is a medical condition that affects the hip joint. It is characterized by an abnormal decrease in the angle between the neck and head of the femur (thigh bone) and the shaft of the femur. This results in the femoral head being positioned more vertically than normal, which can lead to impingement and degenerative changes in the hip joint.

Coxa vara is often congenital, meaning that it is present at birth, but it can also be acquired due to injury, infection, or other medical conditions such as rickets or slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Symptoms of coxa vara may include pain in the hip, limping, and decreased range of motion in the affected joint. Treatment for coxa vara typically involves surgery to realign the bones and prevent further degeneration of the hip joint.

The hip joint, also known as the coxal joint, is a ball-and-socket type synovial joint that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the pelvis. The "ball" is the head of the femur, while the "socket" is the acetabulum, a concave surface on the pelvic bone.

The hip joint is surrounded by a strong fibrous capsule and is reinforced by several ligaments, including the iliofemoral, ischiofemoral, and pubofemoral ligaments. The joint allows for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, medial and lateral rotation, and circumduction movements, making it one of the most mobile joints in the body.

The hip joint is also supported by various muscles, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, iliopsoas, and other hip flexors and extensors. These muscles provide stability and strength to the joint, allowing for weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Developmental bone diseases are a group of medical conditions that affect the growth and development of bones. These diseases are present at birth or develop during childhood and adolescence, when bones are growing rapidly. They can result from genetic mutations, hormonal imbalances, or environmental factors such as poor nutrition.

Some examples of developmental bone diseases include:

1. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI): Also known as brittle bone disease, OI is a genetic disorder that affects the body's production of collagen, a protein necessary for healthy bones. People with OI have fragile bones that break easily and may also experience other symptoms such as blue sclerae (whites of the eyes), hearing loss, and joint laxity.
2. Achondroplasia: This is the most common form of dwarfism, caused by a genetic mutation that affects bone growth. People with achondroplasia have short limbs and a large head relative to their body size.
3. Rickets: A condition caused by vitamin D deficiency or an inability to absorb or use vitamin D properly. This leads to weak, soft bones that can bow or bend easily, particularly in children.
4. Fibrous dysplasia: A rare bone disorder where normal bone is replaced with fibrous tissue, leading to weakened bones and deformities.
5. Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine that can develop during childhood or adolescence. While not strictly a developmental bone disease, scoliosis can be caused by various underlying conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida.

Treatment for developmental bone diseases varies depending on the specific condition and its severity. Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, bracing, or surgery to correct deformities and improve function. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor growth, manage symptoms, and prevent complications.

Osteochondrosis is a group of orthopedic disorders that primarily affect the epiphyseal growth plates (the areas of growing tissue at the ends of long bones) and adjacent articular (joint) cartilage in children and adolescents. These disorders are characterized by abnormal development, degeneration, or fragmentation of the affected bone and/or cartilage, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and, in some cases, restricted mobility.

The term "osteochondrosis" is often used interchangeably with "osteochondritis dissecans," but they are not identical conditions. Osteochondrosis refers to the general category of disorders, while osteochondritis dissecans is a specific type of osteochondrosis that primarily affects the subchondral bone (the layer of bone directly beneath the articular cartilage) and results in the formation of loose fragments or "joint mice."

Examples of osteochondrosis include:

1. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which affects the hip joint
2. Köhler's disease, which affects the navicular bone in the foot
3. Panner's disease, which affects the elbow joint
4. Scheuermann's disease, which affects the vertebral bodies in the spine
5. Freiberg's infarction, which affects the metatarsal heads in the foot

The exact cause of osteochondrosis remains unclear, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, biomechanical, and environmental factors that contribute to the abnormal growth and development of the affected bone and cartilage. Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, bracing or casting, and, in some cases, surgery to remove loose fragments or promote healing.

Coxa valga is a medical term that refers to an increased angle between the neck and shaft of the femur (thigh bone) in the hip joint. Normally, this angle measures around 125-135 degrees in adults, but in coxa valga, it can be greater than 140 degrees. This condition is often associated with conditions such as developmental dysplasia of the hip or cerebral palsy.

Coxa valga can lead to several complications, including hip pain, decreased range of motion, and an increased risk of hip fractures. Treatment for coxa valga may include physical therapy, bracing, or surgery in severe cases. It is important to diagnose and treat this condition early to prevent long-term complications.

Congenital Lower Extremity Deformities refer to abnormal structures or development in the lower limbs (including thighs, legs, and feet) that are present at birth. These deformities can vary greatly in severity, from mild differences in shape or position to severe defects that significantly limit mobility or function.

Congenital lower extremity deformities can be caused by genetic factors, environmental influences during pregnancy, or a combination of both. Some common examples include:

1. Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (Clubfoot): A deformity where the foot is turned inward and downward at birth.
2. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): A condition where the hip joint does not form properly, leading to instability or dislocation.
3. Congenital Femoral Deficiency: A rare condition where there is a deficiency or absence of the femur (thigh bone) or abnormal development of the hip joint.
4. Fibular Hemimelia: A congenital absence or shortening of the fibula bone, which can lead to foot and ankle deformities.
5. Tibial Hemimelia: A rare condition where there is a partial or complete absence of the tibia bone, leading to significant leg length discrepancies and joint instability.

Treatment for congenital lower extremity deformities can range from non-surgical interventions such as bracing, casting, or physical therapy to surgical procedures aimed at correcting the deformity and improving function.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a medical condition that affects the hip joint. It occurs when there is abnormal contact between the femoral head (the ball at the top of the thigh bone) and the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvis) during normal movement of the hip. This abnormal contact can cause damage to the cartilage and labrum (a ring of cartilage that helps to stabilize the hip joint) leading to pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion.

FAI is classified into two types: cam impingement and pincer impingement. Cam impingement occurs when there is an abnormal shape of the femoral head or neck, which leads to abnormal contact with the acetabulum during hip flexion and internal rotation. Pincer impingement occurs when there is overcoverage of the acetabulum, leading to abnormal contact with the femoral head or neck.

In some cases, both cam and pincer impingement can be present, which is referred to as mixed impingement. Symptoms of FAI may include hip pain, stiffness, limping, and reduced range of motion. Treatment options for FAI may include physical therapy, activity modification, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

The femoral head is the rounded, ball-like top portion of the femur (thigh bone) that fits into the hip socket (acetabulum) to form the hip joint. It has a smooth, articular cartilage surface that allows for smooth and stable articulation with the pelvis. The femoral head is connected to the femoral neck, which is a narrower section of bone that angles downward and leads into the shaft of the femur. Together, the femoral head and neck provide stability and range of motion to the hip joint.

The tibia, also known as the shin bone, is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg and part of the knee joint. It supports most of the body's weight and is a major insertion point for muscles that flex the foot and bend the leg. The tibia articulates with the femur at the knee joint and with the fibula and talus bone at the ankle joint. Injuries to the tibia, such as fractures, are common in sports and other activities that put stress on the lower leg.

Osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which a bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or change its alignment. It is often performed to correct deformities or to realign bones that have been damaged by trauma or disease. The bone may be cut straight across (transverse osteotomy) or at an angle (oblique osteotomy). After the bone is cut, it can be realigned and held in place with pins, plates, or screws until it heals. This procedure is commonly performed on bones in the leg, such as the femur or tibia, but can also be done on other bones in the body.

Comparative anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that deals with the study and comparison of the structures and functions of different species, including humans. It involves the examination of similarities and differences in the anatomy of various organisms to understand their evolutionary relationships and adaptations. This field helps scientists to understand the development and function of body structures, as well as the evolutionary history of different species. By comparing and contrasting the anatomy of different organisms, researchers can gain insights into the functions and workings of various bodily systems and how they have evolved over time.

Esters are organic compounds that are formed by the reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. They are widely found in nature and are used in various industries, including the production of perfumes, flavors, and pharmaceuticals. In the context of medical definitions, esters may be mentioned in relation to their use as excipients in medications or in discussions of organic chemistry and biochemistry. Esters can also be found in various natural substances such as fats and oils, which are triesters of glycerol and fatty acids.

The femur is the medical term for the thigh bone, which is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It connects the hip bone to the knee joint and plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of the body and allowing movement during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. The femur is composed of a rounded head, a long shaft, and two condyles at the lower end that articulate with the tibia and patella to form the knee joint.

Fibrous dysplasia, monostotic is a benign bone disorder that affects a single bone (monostotic) and is characterized by the replacement of normal bone tissue with fibrous (scar-like) tissue. This results in the formation of abnormal bone that is weakened and more susceptible to fractures. The lesions can cause deformities, pain, and decreased mobility, depending on their size and location. Monostotic fibrous dysplasia is the most common form of fibrous dysplasia, accounting for approximately 70-80% of all cases. It typically manifests during childhood or adolescence and may stabilize or progress slowly over time. In some cases, it can be associated with endocrine disorders such as precocious puberty, hyperthyroidism, or growth hormone excess.

Medical Definition of Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal vision, immune function, and cell growth. It is also an antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin A can be found in two main forms: preformed vitamin A, which is found in animal products such as dairy, fish, and meat, particularly liver; and provitamin A carotenoids, which are found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and vegetable oils.

The most active form of vitamin A is retinoic acid, which plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness, dry skin, and increased susceptibility to infections. Chronic vitamin A toxicity can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, coma, and even death.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a condition that occurs when there is a lack of vitamin A in the diet. This essential fat-soluble vitamin plays crucial roles in vision, growth, cell division, reproduction, and immune system regulation.

In its severe form, VAD leads to xerophthalmia, which includes night blindness (nyctalopia) and keratomalacia - a sight-threatening condition characterized by dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, with eventual ulceration and perforation. Other symptoms of VAD may include Bitot's spots (foamy, triangular, white spots on the conjunctiva), follicular hyperkeratosis (goose bump-like bumps on the skin), and increased susceptibility to infections due to impaired immune function.

Vitamin A deficiency is most prevalent in developing countries where diets are often low in animal source foods and high in plant-based foods with low bioavailability of vitamin A. It primarily affects children aged 6 months to 5 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Prevention strategies include dietary diversification, food fortification, and supplementation programs.

The acetabulum is the cup-shaped cavity in the pelvic bone (specifically, the os coxa) where the head of the femur bone articulates to form the hip joint. It provides a stable and flexible connection between the lower limb and the trunk, allowing for a wide range of movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction. The acetabulum is lined with articular cartilage, which facilitates smooth and frictionless movement of the hip joint. Its stability is further enhanced by various ligaments, muscles, and the labrum, a fibrocartilaginous rim that deepens the socket and increases its contact area with the femoral head.

Joint diseases is a broad term that refers to various conditions affecting the joints, including but not limited to:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential loss of function.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder causing inflammation in the synovial membrane lining the joints, resulting in swelling, pain, and joint damage if left untreated.
3. Infectious Arthritis: Joint inflammation caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that spread through the bloodstream or directly enter the joint space.
4. Gout: A type of arthritis resulting from the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, typically affecting the big toe and characterized by sudden attacks of severe pain, redness, and swelling.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory joint disease associated with psoriasis, causing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and surrounding tissues.
6. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): A group of chronic arthritis conditions affecting children, characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
7. Ankylosing Spondylitis: A form of arthritis primarily affecting the spine, causing inflammation, pain, and potential fusion of spinal vertebrae.
8. Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints, leading to pain and swelling.
9. Tendinitis: Inflammation or degeneration of tendons, which connect muscles to bones, often resulting in pain and stiffness near joints.

These conditions can impact the function and mobility of affected joints, causing discomfort and limiting daily activities. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing joint diseases and preserving joint health.

The "femur neck" is the narrow, upper part of the femur (thigh bone) where it connects to the pelvis. It is the region through which the femoral head articulates with the acetabulum to form the hip joint. The femur neck is a common site for fractures, especially in older adults with osteoporosis.

An encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work containing articles on various topics, usually arranged in alphabetical order. In the context of medicine, a medical encyclopedia is a collection of articles that provide information about a wide range of medical topics, including diseases and conditions, treatments, tests, procedures, and anatomy and physiology. Medical encyclopedias may be published in print or electronic formats and are often used as a starting point for researching medical topics. They can provide reliable and accurate information on medical subjects, making them useful resources for healthcare professionals, students, and patients alike. Some well-known examples of medical encyclopedias include the Merck Manual and the Stedman's Medical Dictionary.

Palpation is a medical examination technique in which a healthcare professional uses their hands to feel the size, shape, and consistency of body parts, including organs, tissues, and bones. It is used to assess the patient's overall health, identify any abnormalities or areas of pain, monitor healing and disease progression, and guide diagnostic and treatment decisions.

During palpation, the healthcare professional applies gentle pressure with their fingers or hands to specific areas of the body, feeling for any changes in texture, temperature, moisture, or movement. The technique can be used to assess various bodily systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems.

Palpation is a valuable tool in physical examinations because it is non-invasive, relatively quick, and cost-effective. It can provide important information that helps healthcare professionals make accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans for their patients.

'Leg length inequality' (LLIS) is a condition where there is a discrepancy in the lengths of an individual's lower extremities, specifically the bones of the thigh (femur) and/or the leg (tibia/fibula). This discrepancy can be congenital or acquired due to various causes such as fractures, infections, or surgical procedures. The inequality can lead to functional scoliosis, lower back pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. It is typically diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies like X-rays, and may be treated with various methods including orthotics, shoe lifts, or in some cases, surgical intervention.

Lordosis is a term used in the medical field to describe an excessive inward curvature of the spine. It most commonly occurs in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions. When it happens in the lower back, it's often referred to as swayback. While some degree of lordosis is normal and necessary for proper spinal alignment and movement, excessive curvature can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty with mobility. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, obesity, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions such as kyphosis or spondylolisthesis.

Gait is a medical term used to describe the pattern of movement of the limbs during walking or running. It includes the manner or style of walking, including factors such as rhythm, speed, and step length. A person's gait can provide important clues about their physical health and neurological function, and abnormalities in gait may indicate the presence of underlying medical conditions, such as neuromuscular disorders, orthopedic problems, or injuries.

A typical human gait cycle involves two main phases: the stance phase, during which the foot is in contact with the ground, and the swing phase, during which the foot is lifted and moved forward in preparation for the next step. The gait cycle can be further broken down into several sub-phases, including heel strike, foot flat, midstance, heel off, and toe off.

Gait analysis is a specialized field of study that involves observing and measuring a person's gait pattern using various techniques, such as video recordings, force plates, and motion capture systems. This information can be used to diagnose and treat gait abnormalities, improve mobility and function, and prevent injuries.