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Bakers's Cyst:

Localized swelling of a bursa sac in the posterior knee as a result of fluid that has escaped from the knee capsule. A Baker's cyst indicates that there is a trauma inside the knee joint that leads to excessive fluid production.

Bennett's Fracture:

A fracture and dislocation of the base of the first metacarpal, the thumb.

Bilateral:

A condition affecting both sides of the body. For example, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in both hands.

Blowout Fracture:

A facial fracture of the orbit of the eye.

Bone Scan:

An imaging procedure in which a radioactive-labeled substance is injected into the body to detemine the status of a bony injury. If the radioactive substance is taken up by the bone at the injury site, the injury will show as a "hot spot" on the scan image. The bone scan is particularly useful in the diagnosis of stress fractures.

Brachial Plexus:

Network of nerves originating from the cervical vertabrae and running down to the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers.

Bruise:

Common term for contusion.

Bursa:

A fluid-filled sac that is located in areas where friction is likely to occur, then minimizes the friction; for example between a tendon and a bone.

Bursitis:

Inflammation of the bursa, especially of the shoulder or elbow.

B Glossary of Terms forPhysical Therapy & Sports Medicine

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B Glossary of Terms for
Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine