Medical terms glossary - O

This medical term glossary provides explanations in plain English of a number of technical terms you may encounter in the process of pursuing a clinical negligence claim.

Occipital lobe - Rear section of the brain.

Occiput - Rear of the skull.

Occupational therapy - Practical rehabilitation exercises.

Odont- - Of or relating to a tooth.

Oedema - Swelling caused by accumulation of fluid.

Oesophagus - The gullet.

Oesophagitis - Inflammation of the oesophagus.

Olfaction - Sense of smell.

Oligo- - Lacking.

Onych- - Of or relating to the nails.

Ophthalmectomy - Surgical removal of eye.

Ophthalmitis - Inflammation of eye.

Ophthalmorrhexis - Bursting of eye ball.

Opposition - Moving the thumb across the palm towards the little finger.

Orthodontist - Tooth positioning specialist.

Orthosis - Brace to provide support.

Ostectomy - Bone removal.

Osteitis - Inflammation of bone.

Osteoarthritis - Disease causing cartilage in joint to wear away.

Osteoarthrotomy - Surgical removal of bone forming part of a joint.

Osteochondritis - Inflammation of bone both and cartilage.

Osteomyelitis - Bone infection.

Osteophyte - Spur of bone caused by osteoarthritis.

Osteoporosis - Lack of mineral salts in bones, causes brittleness.

Osteotomy - Surgical cutting of bone.

Otitis - Inflammation of the ear.

Otosclerosis - Bones in the ear thicken, causing deafness.

-otomy - Surgery to divide a structure.

Otoplasty - Surgery to repair the ear.

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