Knowing & Understanding Orthopaedic & Surgical Acronyms

We get it. We like our acronyms! Orthopaedic Surgeons, and doctors in general, often go around saying groups of letters as if everyone is going to get it.

That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive list to serve as a clear and reliable reference for our patients. Whether you’re reviewing test results, discussing a diagnosis with your physician, or reading about your recovery plan, this list can help you make sense of the medical language being used. Our goal is to empower patients with knowledge so that every conversation about your health is less intimidating and more productive.

Bone & Joint Conditions

• BMD – Bone Mineral Density: Measurement of bone strength using imaging (DEXA scan). Helps diagnose osteoporosis and fracture risk. Essential for long-term bone health monitoring.
• CTS – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Causes numbness, tingling, and hand weakness. Often treated with splints, injections, or surgery.
• OA – Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease due to cartilage breakdown. Causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Common in hips, knees, and hands.
• RSI – Repetitive Strain Injury: Overuse injury to muscles, tendons, or nerves. Common in wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Preventable with ergonomic adjustments.

Fractures & Fixation

• FNF – Femoral Neck Fracture: Break in the neck of the femur, common in elderly after falls. High risk of complications due to disrupted blood supply. Treated with screws, arthroplasty, or hemiarthroplasty.
• Fx / Frx – Fracture: Break in a bone. Classified by pattern, location, and stability. May require casting, fixation, or surgery.
• DHS – Dynamic Hip Screw: Implant system for stabilizing femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures. Allows controlled compression during healing. Inserted surgically into the femur.
• SHS – Sliding Hip Screw: Similar to DHS, used for hip fracture stabilization. Provides controlled movement as the fracture heals. Widely used in orthopaedic trauma.
• IMN – Intramedullary Nail: Rod placed inside bone marrow canal for fracture stabilization. Common in long bone fractures. Provides strong internal fixation.
• CMN – Cephalomedullary Nail: Type of intramedullary nail extending into the femoral head. Stabilizes proximal femur fractures. Often chosen for unstable hip fractures.
• ORIF – Open Reduction Internal Fixation: Surgical repair of fractures using plates, screws, or rods. “Open reduction” means exposing the bone surgically. “Internal fixation” stabilizes it from inside.
• Ex-fix – External Fixator: Frame with pins/wires inserted into bone through skin. Stabilizes fractures or corrects deformities externally. Used in severe trauma or infection cases.

Arthroplasty & Joint Replacement

• THA – Total Hip Arthroplasty: Complete hip replacement with artificial components. Relieves pain from arthritis or fractures. Improves mobility and quality of life.
• TKA – Total Knee Arthroplasty: Replacement of the knee joint with artificial implants. Used for end-stage arthritis or deformity. Restores function and reduces pain.
• TSA – Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Replacement of the shoulder joint with prosthesis. Improves motion and relieves pain. Used for arthritis or severe fractures.
• RSA – Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Shoulder replacement where ball and socket are reversed. Provides stability when rotator cuff is deficient. Useful in complex shoulder conditions.
• DFR – Distal Femoral Replacement: Prosthetic replacement of lower femur. Used in severe fractures or tumors. Restores knee joint stability and function.

Neuro & Physical Exam Terms

• DTR – Deep Tendon Reflexes: Involuntary muscle contractions when tendon is tapped. Used to assess nerve and spinal cord function. Commonly tested in knees and ankles.
• SILT – Sensation Intact to Light Touch: Exam finding documenting preserved skin sensation. Indicates intact nerve function. Common in trauma assessments.
• AIN – Anterior Interosseous Nerve: Branch of the median nerve controlling thumb/index finger flexion. Injury causes weakness in pinch grip. Tested with “OK sign.”
• PIN – Posterior Interosseous Nerve: Branch of the radial nerve controlling finger extension. Injury causes finger drop. Often injured in forearm trauma.

Motion & Weight Bearing

• FROM – Full Range of Motion: Joint can move normally in all planes. Indicates absence of stiffness or contracture. Often documented in rehab notes.
• PROM – Passive Range of Motion: Movement performed by examiner without patient effort. Tests joint flexibility and stiffness. Important in rehab and post-op recovery.
• AROM – Active Range of Motion: Movement performed by patient voluntarily. Assesses muscle strength and function. Limited in cases of weakness or pain.
• NWB – Non-Weight Bearing: Patient must not put weight on injured limb. Requires crutches, walker, or wheelchair. Standard after major fractures or surgery.
• PWB – Partial Weight Bearing: Patient may put limited weight on limb. Usually specified as percentage (e.g., 25%). Step-down progression in rehab.
• TTWB – Toe Touch Weight Bearing: Only toes lightly touch the ground for balance. No real weight through limb. Transition stage before partial weight bearing.
• FFWB – Foot Flat Weight Bearing: Patient may rest entire foot but not load limb. Intermediate between TTWB and PWB. Used for gradual progression.
• WBAT – Weight Bearing as Tolerated: Patient bears as much weight as comfortable. Limited only by pain. Common after stable fracture fixation.

Trauma & Mechanism

• APC – Anterior Posterior Compression: Pelvic fracture pattern from front-to-back force. Causes pelvic instability and bleeding risk. Often from high-energy trauma.
• LC – Lateral Compression: Pelvic fracture pattern from side-to-side force. Stability varies with severity. Common in vehicle or crush injuries.
• GLF – Ground-Level Fall: Fall from standing height. Common cause of hip and wrist fractures in elderly. Often signals osteoporosis or frailty.
• GSW – Gunshot Wound: Penetrating trauma from firearm. May involve bone, nerves, and vessels. Requires multidisciplinary care.

Materials

Provider & Professional Acronyms

Physicians

• MD – Doctor of Medicine: Completed allopathic medical training. Focuses on traditional biomedical model. Trained in surgery, prescribing, and full scope practice.
• DO – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine: Completes same training as MD with additional focus on holistic care and musculoskeletal system. Uses osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Licensed for full practice in the U.S.

Additional Physician Types

• PA-C – Physician Assistant, Certified: Graduate-level medical provider trained in diagnosis, treatment, and minor surgery. Works under physician supervision. Can prescribe medication.
• NP – Nurse Practitioner: Advanced practice registered nurse with graduate-level training. Provides diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing. Often emphasizes preventive and holistic care.
• DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice: Highest clinical degree for nursing. Focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, and advanced clinical skills. Functions as an NP with expanded academic training.

Nursing & Allied Health

• RN – Registered Nurse: Provides patient care, medication administration, and coordination. Licensed after nursing degree and national exam. Backbone of hospital and surgical teams.
• LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse: Provides basic patient care under RN supervision. Training shorter than RN. Common in rehab and outpatient settings.
• CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant: Assists patients with daily living tasks. Works under nurses’ supervision. Provides vital bedside support.
• CRNA – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: Advanced practice nurse specializing in anesthesia. Provides anesthesia independently or with anesthesiologists. Critical in surgery and trauma care.

Therapy & Rehabilitation

• PT – Physical Therapist: Doctorate-level provider specializing in mobility, strength, and rehab. Designs exercise programs for recovery. Critical after surgery or injury.
• DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy: Doctoral degree in physical therapy (entry-level in U.S.). Focuses on evidence-based rehab care. Equivalent to PT but emphasizes doctoral training.
• OT – Occupational Therapist: Helps patients regain independence in daily activities. Focuses on upper extremity function and adaptive strategies. Important post-surgery or after injury.
• COTA – Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant: Works under OT supervision. Delivers therapy exercises and training. Provides hands-on patient support.
• ATC – Athletic Trainer, Certified: Specializes in sports medicine, injury prevention, and rehab. Works with athletes and orthopaedic teams. Provides on-field and clinical support.

Surgical & Training Roles

• FA – First Assistant: Assists primary surgeon with exposure, suturing, and technical tasks. Can be physician, PA, or NP. Enhances operative efficiency.
• SA – Surgical Assistant: Supports surgeon intraoperatively with retraction, suction, and prep. May be trained staff or non-physician. Distinct from scrub nurse.
• PGY-# – Post-Graduate Year: Indicates level of residency training. Example: PGY-3 = third-year resident. Determines experience and role in surgery.
• MS4 – Fourth-Year Medical Student: Final year before graduation from medical school. May assist in surgery under supervision. Limited responsibilities compared to residents.

Certifications

• FAAOS – Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Prestigious membership after board certification in orthopaedics. Indicates commitment to education and peer standards. Recognized globally in orthopaedics.
• FACS – Fellow of the American College of Surgeons: Designation for surgeons meeting rigorous professional standards. Shows commitment to ethical and skilled surgical practice. Used across multiple specialties.