A Cast is a rigid external immobilization device used to hold an injured limb in a stable position. It is a medical device, not a diagnosis, and it is most commonly used in orthopedic and emergency care. A Cast is designed to limit movement of bones and joints to support healing and protect soft tissues. It is typically applied after trauma (such as fractures) or after certain orthopedic procedures.
K Wire is a thin, smooth metal pin used to hold bone fragments or joints in a stable position. It is a **device** (orthopedic implant) most commonly used for **temporary fixation** in fracture care and hand/foot surgery. K Wire is typically inserted percutaneously or through a small incision, often with fluoroscopic guidance. It is frequently used in emergency, trauma, and elective orthopedic procedures as a simple, versatile fixation option.
Screw Fixation is the use of orthopedic screws to hold bone or bone fragments in a stable position. It is a surgical concept and device-based method used in fracture care and reconstructive orthopedics. It is commonly performed in trauma, sports medicine, foot and ankle, hand, and spine practice. It aims to support bone healing by controlling motion at the injury or fusion site.
Plate Fixation is a method of stabilizing a bone using a metal plate and screws. It is a **procedure** and an **internal fixation device construct** used in orthopedic surgery. It is most commonly used to treat fractures and to support planned bone cuts (osteotomies). It is discussed in trauma, sports, and reconstructive orthopedics across many body regions.
Orthopedic Implant is a medical device placed in the musculoskeletal system to support, replace, or stabilize bone and joints. Orthopedic Implant is a device category, not an anatomy structure or a diagnosis. It is commonly used in fracture fixation, joint replacement, spine surgery, and deformity correction. In practice, it is discussed when planning surgery, interpreting imaging, and monitoring healing and function over time.
A Prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part or helps restore a lost function. It is a medical device concept used in orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, dentistry, and surgical specialties. In musculoskeletal care, it commonly refers to limb prostheses and joint replacement components. It is used in practice to improve mobility, stability, alignment, and participation in daily activities.
Allograft is tissue transplanted from one human donor to a different human recipient. It is a clinical concept and biologic “material,” not a single procedure or device. In orthopedics, Allograft commonly refers to donor bone, tendon, ligament, meniscus, or cartilage used to reconstruct or replace damaged tissue. It is used across sports medicine, trauma, spine, and joint reconstruction.
Autograft is tissue transplanted from one site to another within the same person. It is a clinical concept used in both reconstructive surgery and musculoskeletal biologics. In orthopedics, Autograft is commonly used to restore bone stock or replace/reinforce ligaments, tendons, and cartilage surfaces. Because the donor and recipient are the same individual, immune rejection is typically not a primary concern.
Bone Graft is a surgical concept and material used to help bone heal, fuse, or replace missing bone. It can be living bone, processed donor bone, or a manufactured substitute that is placed into a bony defect. It is commonly used in fracture care, spine fusion, arthrodesis, and reconstruction after bone loss. In practice, it is discussed as a “biologic” adjunct to fixation because it supports the biology of bone repair.
An Intramedullary Nail is a metal rod inserted into the central canal of a long bone to stabilize a fracture. It is an orthopedic **device** used as part of a **surgical procedure** called intramedullary nailing. It most commonly supports fractures of the femur and tibia, and in selected cases the humerus. In practice, it is discussed in trauma care, fracture fixation planning, and postoperative rehabilitation.