Flexion
Bending a joint to decrease the angle between two bones (e.g., bending the elbow or knee).
-itis
Inflammation
Osteo-
Bone
Spondyl/o
Vertebrae
Simple (closed) fracture
The bone is broken but does not pierce the skin.
Extension
Straightening a joint to increase the angle between two bones (e.g., straightening the arm or leg).
-algia
Pain
Artho-
Joint
Crani/o
Skull
Compound (open) fracture
The bone is broken and protrudes through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Abduction
Moving a body part away from the midline of the body (e.g., lifting the arm or leg to the side).
-ectomy
Surgical removal
Chondro-
Cartilage
Stern/o
Sternum
Comminuted fracture
The bone is shattered or crushed into three or more pieces.
Adduction
Moving a body part toward the midline of the body (e.g., bringing the arm or leg back down to the body).
-porosis
Condition of a weak bone
Myelo-
Bone marrow or spinal cord
Patell/o
Kneecap
Greenstick fracture
The bone bends and cracks on one side only; common in children because their bones are softer.
Rotation
Turning a bone around its own axis (e.g., turning the head side to side or twisting the spine).
-plasty
Surgical repair or reconstruction
Cost-
Rib
Tars/o
Ankle or foot bones
Spiral fracture
The bone has been twisted apart, usually caused by a rotational or twisting force.