T-binder: (perineal/rectal) used to describe a technique used
to retain perineal dressing or as a scrotal support, attaching dressings in the
shape of a T.
T waves: (Cardio) on EKG;
phrases include “peaked T waves”, “early peaked T waves”, “inverted T waves”,
etc.
T waves, bizarre: (Cardio/EKG)
include bifid, notched, biphasic, alternans, etc.
T1-weighted, T2-weighted
MR images: (Neuro) also intermediate-weighted; contrast-enhanced
T1-weighted; unenhanced T1 or T2-weighted, etc.
T-tube: (Ears/Peds/Pulm) ventilation tubes, named because it shaped like
the letter “T”, allow ears to drain and ventilate, to help prevent chronic ear
infections; note that a T-tube is also used in respiratory therapy to aid
breathing and incorporates a T-piece.
TA-60 ,
TA-90 stapler: (Equip)
TAB: (Plastic
Surgery) tumescent absorbent bandage, wound dressing used particularly after
liposuction procedures (Source: MT Desk 2000).
tabescent: (adjective) meaning progressively wasting away,
growing emaciated (American Heritage Dictionary 2000).
tabescence: (noun) See tabescent above.
tachycardia syndrome: (Cardio) Also called postural orthostatic tachycardia
syndrome, or POTS; fast heart rate upon standing from lying or sitting, and may
also include spells of low blood pressure while standing (neurally mediated
hypotension; aka, “chronic orthostatic intolerance”, or “COI”
(Source: http://www.potsplace.com/ and
NIH).
tachydysrhythmia: (Cardio) irregular heart rhythm.
tachypacing: (Cardio)
tachyphylaxis: (Pharmacology)
rapid development of immunity to the effects of a drug, or desensitization to a
toxic substance by inoculation or ingestion of a series of small doses of the
drug or substance or by taking the same dose of the same drug and over time
becoming desensitized to it or to its side effects.
tachypneic: (Pulm) a very fast respiratory rate (tachypnea).
tack: (noun) (1) a course of action; as in the phrase “the
tack taken”; (2) relating to sailing, tack is the zigzag course of a sailboat against
the wind; (3) related to horse riding, tack is the riding gear, such as saddle
and bridle.
tacrolimus: (Derm/Med) 2 formulations: tacrolimus
capsules and injection are generic for Prograf, an immunosupressive
drug to prevent possible organ rejection after kidney or liver transplant; tacrolimus ointment is generic for
Protopic, an ointment for eczema.
Tacticon: (Device)
Hand-held device to screen diabetic patients for peripheral neuropathy of the
fingers and toes (Source MT Desk 2001).
tactile fremitus: (Exam/Pulm) Vibration felt
with the hand on the chest when patient is asked to say the words “99” or “
tactile stimulation: touch therapy
tactile tension
tadalafil: (Rx) generic for Cialis,
drug for treatment of impotence (2003).
TAE: (Physical Therapy) torque accelerated energy
Taenia: common
name for tapeworm (Source: Stedman’s).
tagged red cell (study, scan, exam): (Lab)
uses technetium to determine an internal bleeding site.
Tag-It Cystic Fibrosis Kit: DNA-based
blood test to detect CF (FDA, May 2005).
TAH: (Abbrev/GYN) total abdominal hysterectomy
TAH BSO: (Abbrev/GYN) total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral
salpingo-oophorectomy.
Tahini: (Nutrition) food made of ground sesame seeds,
high in calcium.
Tahitian Noni fruit juice: (Homeopathy) See “Noni juice”
for more info.
Tai Chi: (pronounced
“tie-chee”) A Chinese system of slow and methodical
physical exercises, developed as a method of self defense and as an aid to
meditation and relaxation.
tail sign: (Pulm) seen on chest x-ray
as swirls of bronchovascular shadows, may indicate bronchioalveolar carcinoma,
also called “comet tail sign” or “pleural tail sign”.
tailor’s bunion: (Condition/Ortho) from sitting cross-legged on the
floor.
Takahashi forceps: (Instruments)
used mainly in ENT surgeries.
Takayasu arteritis: disease
of arteries affecting the aorta, primarily in females; also called Takayasu disease
or syndrome.
Take Control spread: (Product)
OTC margarine-like spread, says it is proven to lower LDL cholesterol,
manufactured by Promise (website http://www.takecontrol.com/).
TAL: (Abbrev/Procedure) tendon Achilles lengthening.
Talacen: (Rx) generic = pentazocine/APAP; narcotic analgesic.
talar tendon: (Anatomy)
ankle
talar tilt test: inversion of the talus against the ankle mortise
talc pleurodesis: (Pulm) Technique to remove
fluid accumulation in the pleural space; by using a chemical agent such as
talc, it causes irritation between the 2 layers covering the lung where the
fluid has accumulated, the irritation causes closing or obliteration of the
space so fluid drains and further accumulation is prevented for a time
following the procedure.
talipes calcaneocavus:
(Condition/Podiatry) very
high-arched foot
talipes calcaneovalgus:
(Condition/Podiatry) foot is
dorsiflexed, flat, everted, abducted.
talipes calcaneovarus:
(Condition/Podiatry) foot is
dorsiflexed, inverted, and adducted.
talipes cavovalgus: (Condition/Podiatry) high arch, heel turns outward.
talipes cavovarus: (Condition/Podiatry)
high arch, heel turns inward.
talipes equinovarus: (Condition/Podiatry) congenital deformity, heel turned inward,
foot plantar flexed.
talipes planus: (Condition/Podiatry) flatfoot.
talk test:
(Pulm)
to gauge appropriate exercise intensity, while exercising a person should be
able to talk without too much shortness of breath, sometimes suggest reciting
the Pledge of Allegiance.
Tamai clamp: (Instruments)
Tamai stitch/suture
TAMI: (Research) Thrombolysis
and Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction study.
TAMI-1 to TAMI-9: (Cardio) These 9 study groups are all phases of the
TAMI study above, with slight variations.
Tamiflu: (Rx)
generic = oseltamivir; for influenza A and B treatment (FDA 2000).
tamper: (Equip)
Piece of construction equipment used to compact dirt or other material, also
called “tamps” or “tamp”, as a verb it may be used to say “to tamp down the
soil”, etc. A brand name is Jumping Jack tamper or a
Wacker tamper.
tamponade, cardiac: (Condition) compression of the heart caused by blood
or fluid accumulation in the space between the myocardium and pericardium,
prevents ventricles from adequately filling or pumping blood.
tamsulosin: (Rx) generic for Flomax; diuretic, indicated for
treatment of urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy
(1997).
tandem gait: (Neuro) testing by having the patient walk
heel-to-toe, if patient loses balance, gait is considered ataxic.
tandem mass spectrometry:
(Lab/Neonat) screening
blood test for newborns, checks for 25+ diseases.
tangential view: (Radio) x-ray view.
Tanner stages 1-5: (Peds) staging of puberty from pre-adolescent to adult,
based on Tanner Growth Chart.
tannic acid solution:
(Allergy) used in products to
help eliminate dust mites and other allergens in the home (to treat carpet,
furniture, mattresses, etc.)
Tannihist-12, Tannihist-12RF: (Rx) carbetapentane/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine; medication for cough, liquid.
tantalum clip:
(Instruments) tantalum is a type of
heavy metal.
tantalum mesh eye implant: (Instruments/Ophth) tantalum is a
type of heavy metal.
TAP: (Pulm) Thornton Adjustable Positioner, device to stop
snoring.
TAR syndrome: (Peds/Hem/Rare Disorders)
thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome; occurs within first 4 months of
life.
Tarasoff decision: (Law/Psych) a psychotherapist who knows that his patient is
in danger of harming another person is required to take reasonable measures to
protect the intended victim, also called “duty to warn”.
Tarceva: (Rx) generic = erlotinib;
cancer drug.
tardive dyskinesia: (Neuro) syndrome caused by long-term use of
neuroleptic drugs, repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements including
grimacing, rapid eye blinking, lip smacking, etc., or rapid movements of the
arms, legs, or trunk (Source: National Institute of Mental Health).
tardive muscular dystrophy: (Neuro) also called Emery-Dreifuss muscular
dystrophy; slowly progressive form of MD affecting the muscles of arms, legs,
face, neck, spine, and heart (Source: National Organization of Rare Disorders).
tardy ulnar palsy: (Condition) entrapment of the ulnar nerve at the
elbow.
Targis system: (Uro) microwave catheter-based system for nonsurgical
treatment of BPH (FDA 2000).
Targretin: (Rx)
generic = bexarotene, oral or topical treatment of T-cell lymphoma lesions
(Source: MT Desk 2000.)
tarsal tunnel syndrome:
(Condition/Pod) entrapment of
the posterior tibial nerve at the ankle.
tarsi, sinus: (Anatomy)
the depression found on the lateral side of the tarsus; ankle.
tarsus: (Anatomy) plural = tarsi; seven proximal bones of the foot.
tattoo injury: cookie cutter tattoo type of indentation (as from a
bicycle handlebar, anything that leaves an indentation).
Tavernetti knee prosthesis:
(Ortho)
Taxotere: (Rx)
docetaxel; chemotherapy drug (1998).
TAXUS stent: (Cardio) drug-eluting stent.
tazarotene: (Rx) generic for Tazorac, Avage,
etc., for derm conditions.
Tazorac cream: (Rx)
generic = tazarotene; topical cream to treat psoriasis.
Taztia XT: (Rx)
generic = diltiazem HCI extended release; drug for
hypertension (2000).
TB tests: (Lab) may hear dictation as “AFB per OIF”, meaning acid fast bacilli per oil immersion fields,
used in sputum microscopy to diagnose TB.
Tc-99m: (Radio) technetium-99m, very widely used radioisotope
in nuclear medicine procedures.
99-Tc-DPTA
radioisotopes: (Radio) technetium-99
diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid.
Tc-99m-pertechnetate
Tc-99m-phosphate bone
imaging
Tc-99m sestamibi
test: (Cardio) type of chemical stress test.
TCA: (Abbrev/Derm)
trichloroacetic acid, wart treatment; another form is bichloroacetic
acid (BCA).
TCI-31 Ovulation Tester: OTC for home use, uses saliva to test for ovulation
(Source: http://www.ovulationtester.com/)
Td: (Abbrev) vaccine; tetanus and diphtheria toxoids for adults
(Source: CDC 2000).
TDAC: (Abbrev/Onc) tumor-derived activated cells.
TDMAC: (tridodecylmethyl-ammonium
chloride) heparin catheter coating.
TE fistula: (ENT) tracheoesophageal
Tears Naturale: (Ophth) OTC
eye drop, moisturizes eyes.
teardrop fracture: spine.
Techlite lancets:
brand of supplies for glucose
testing.
technetium: (Radio) radioactive isotope for nuclear scans.
technetium-99m: Tc99m
Tc99m diisopropyl iminodiacetic
acid
Tc99m hexakis-2-methoxyisobutyl
isonitrile
Tc99m iminodiacetic acid
Tc99m-labeled diethylene triaminepentaacetic acid
Tc99m medronate methylene diphosphomide
Tc99m stannous pyrophosphate
Tc99m sulfur colloid
Tc99m-tagged pyrophosphate
technetium polyphosphate bone scan: (Radio) nuclear
medicine bone scan.
technetium red cell method:
(Lab) also called “tagged red
blood cell” or “technetium-labeled red blood cell scan”; used to detect where a
person is bleeding internally.
TED stockings: TED
= thromboembolic disease, or by including “stockings” in the abbreviation, it
would be TEDS. (NOTE: It
would be redundant to say “TEDS stockings” though, or “TEDS hose”, it is better just to always remember to type it
without the “s” as “TED”.)
TEE: (Test) transesophageal echocardiogram.
Teeccino: OTC herbal caffeine-free coffee substitute drink (http://www.teeccino.com/)
teepee / tepee: either spelling is acceptable; cone-shaped tent used
for shelter by early Native Americans.
teetotaler: (English word) meaning someone pledged to entire
abstinence from alcohol (Source: http://www.dictionary.com/)
teetotalism: see teetotaler above.
Teflon felt: (Vascular) used
in vascular surgery.
Teflon strut: (Oto) type of prosthesis
for middle ear surgery, repair.
Tegaderm occlusive
dressing
Tegagen dressing
tegaserod maleate: (Rx) generic for Zelnorm, treatment for irritable bowel
syndrome (2002).
teichoic acid antibody testing: (Lab) TAA; screening for antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus and staphylococcal ribitol teichoic acid.
telbivudine: (Rx) generic for Tyzeka,
for hepatitis B.
telemark skiing: (Sport) a form of skiing with more slopes and turns and done
in back country rather than on groomed ski trails.
teleradiology: (Technology) sending images for radiologic consultation via
telephone lines.
Telescopic Plate
Spacer: (TPS) titanium spacer replaces vertebrae, restores
height of a collapsed vertebral body, or treats fractures.
(HPI 2000).
telithromycin:
(Rx) generic for Ketek,
antibiotic.
Tellurian UCAN: (Addiction/Program) drug treatment program available here in Madison,
Wisconsin.
telmisartan hydrochlorothiazide:
(Rx)
generic for Micardis HCT, cardiology
drug.
telogen effluvium: (Derm/Condition)
loss of hair triggered by a body change or shock including medication, surgery,
stress, trauma, illness, weight loss, diet, hormones, hyper- or hypothyroidism;
usually a temporary condition.
Telos ankle stress
apparatus: (Device) to assess ankle stability.
Temovate, Temovate E:
(Rx) clobetasol emollient,
topical corticosteroid for dermatoses.
Temple-Fay
retractor: (Instruments)
temoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy: (mTHPC) temporfin = Foscan PDT (see also Foscan);
treatment for head and neck cancers.
temporal arteritis: (Vascular) vascular disease, temporal arteries, usually in the
elderly.
temporalis muscle resuspension: (Procedure)
temporally: pertaining to time, as in temporary; or referring to the temples of the skull.
temporolimbic epilepsy: (Neuro) seizures arising
from temporal lobe and limbic nuclei.
Temuro low-dose syringes:
for
insulin injections.
tenacious stools: (GI) sticky.
Tenckhoff periteonal catheter:
(Equip) for dialysis, pelvic
drainage.
Tenderfoot incision: (Procedure) for heel blood sampling in neonates and
infants.
tendo Achilles lengthening procedure: (Ortho/Procedure)
tenesmus: (GI/GU) painful, urgent attempt to defecate or urinate,
extreme straining.
tenets of treatment:
(Phrase) tenet means a doctrine, principle or dogma
(Note: “tenant” means occupant or inhabitant, as in the person who is renting
an apartment, etc.).
Tennant IOL:
(Equip/Ophth) intraocular lens.
tennis elbow: (Condition/Ortho) inflammation of the forearm
muscles; it is also possible to have tennis leg, tennis toe, tennis thumb.
tenography: (Radio) radiographic
examination of tendon sheaths using contrast opacification; not widely used
anymore, preferred method is now MRI.
tenofovir: (Rx) generic for Viread;
one of the NtRTI
class of antiviral drugs.
Tenon capsule: (Anatomy/Ophth) fascial sheath of eyeball.
TENS unit: (Equip/Acronym)
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit (Note: always includes the “s” capitalized on the
end to be accurate).
tensegrity: tension, integrity, referring to ligaments and
fascia.
tension pneumothorax:
(Pulm) condition where air enters pleural cavity and is
trapped on expiration, which builds up pressure and compresses lung, leading to
cardiopulmonary impairment.
tensor fasciae latae muscle: (Anatomy) upper thigh.
tensor tarsi muscle:
(Anatomy)
eye.
tenuous: (adjective)
meaning thin and unsubstantial.
Tenzel semicircular
flap: (Procedure)
eyelid reconstruction
tepee / teepee: either spelling is acceptable, cone-shaped tent used
as shelter by Native Americans.
TEPH: (Abbrev/Condition)
thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
TephaFLEX suture: (Surgery) absorbable.
Tequin: (Rx)
generic = gatifloxacin; antibiotic, quinolone.
teratism: (
teratogenic: tending to produce anomalies; teratogenicity.
teratoma:
(Onc) neoplasm composed of tissues that include
those not normally found in the region or organ where neoplasm arises.
teres major/minor muscles:
(Anatomy) shoulder.
Teril:
(Rx) generic = carbamazepine;
drug for seizures, nerve pain, and mood disorders.
“terion”-NO, it is spelled pterion
teriparatide: (Rx) generic for Forteo, drug to increase bone mass.
Terlux: a new plastic based on methylmethacrylate (2001).
terminale, filum: aka, terminal filum; long connective tissue strand, spine.
Terrien marginal
degeneration: (Condition/Ophth) cornea
Terry keratometer: (Ophth/Instruments)
Terry nails: (Derm/Symptom)
most of the skin under nail appears white with pink area reduced to a band near
nail tip, may indicate cirrhosis of the liver.
Terry-Mayo needle: (Instruments/Uro)
tertiary contractions:
(Symptom/GI) of esophagus,
also called tertiary waves.
Terwilliger excision: (Procedure) DNA
terygium—No, it is pterygium
Tessier bone bender: (Instruments)
Testicular Hypothermia
Device: (GU/Infertility) a jock strap-like device that
employs evaporating water to lower testicle temperature.
Testoderm TTS
(transdermal testosterone): (Device/Rx) hormonal skin patch,
requires prescription (FDA 1997).
tests, psychological:
Bayley Scales of Infant Development
Beck Depression Inventory
Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test
Benton Visual Retention Test
Buschke Selective Reminding Task and the NYU Paragraph Recall
Category Instance Fluency Test (to assess remote or semantic memory)
Cattell Infant Intelligence Test
Children’s Apperception Test (CAT)
Continuous Performance Tests (to measure sustained attention)
Draw-A-Person, Family, House, Tree
Frostig Develpmental Test of
Visual Perception
Gesell Developmental Schedules
Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychoogic
Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression
Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
Otic Quick Scoring Mental Abilities Tests
Profile of Mood Status
Rorschach Test
Stanford-Binet Test
Sternberg
Visual Search Paradigm and the Continuous Performance Tests (to measure short term memory and attention).
Symptom
Check List 68
Thematic
Apperception Test (TAT)
Vineland
Social Maturity Scale
Wechsler
Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
Wechsler
Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and for Preschool (WPPSI)
Testim gel: (Rx) testosterone replacement, gel applied to skin or
shoulders or arms (Jan 2003).
tethered: (English) fastened to limit range of movement
tethered spinal cord
tetrofosmin stress test: (Cardio).
Tevdek suture
Teveten HCT: (Rx) generic = eprosartan
mesylate/hydrochlorothiazide; for hypertension.
Texas-style standard
catheter
Thal gastric patch: (Device)
thalassemia, beta: (Condition) has 2 forms, major and minor.
thalidomide: A
drug taken in the 1950s for morning sickness, found to cause birth defects in
babies whose mothers took the drug during their pregnancy. In
1998, it is used as an AIDS treatment.
thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging scan: (Cardio) nuclear scan of myocardium.
thallium scintigraphy:
(Cardio)
nuclear scan of myocardium.
Thalomid: (Rx) thalidomide; for HIV and AIDS, affects the
immune system.
THARIES: (Acronym)
total hip articular replacement by internal eccentric shells.
theater syndrome: (Condition) aching that results from prolonged
sitting with knees flexed, as in a theater and also a car.
theca cell tumor: (GYN) ovaries.
Theis self-retaining
retractor: (Instruments)
Thera-Band: (Physical
Therapy) elastic
stretching aids.
Therapatch:
OTC topical skin patch
containing capsaicin for pain relief.
TheraPEP: (Pulm)
breathing gauge, helps clear airways in COPD, CF, emphysema.
TheraSeal: (Derm) OTC topical cream (2001).
Therex: (Onc/Pharm) cancer treatment, in clinical trials.
Thermachoice uterine balloon therapy: (Procedure/OB-GYN)
for menorrhagia, outpatient procedure for women who are premenopausal, done
childbearing; ablates endometrial lining of uterus.
thermistor probe: (Device/Cardio) device for determining temperature.
Thermo Electron Corporation: (Place)
a Madison-area employer.
thermoplastic orthosis (Ortho) thermoplastic is the type of material,
softens when heated, hardens when cooled.
Thermoskin brace: (Ortho) ankle.
Theroxidil: (Rx) extra strength
minoxidil, for hair loss.
THI needle: (Instruments/CVS)
thiazolidinedione: (Rx)
TZD, class of drugs for diabetes.
thick/thin smear:
(Lab) test for parasites,
malaria; also called thick and thin smear, thick and thin films, or separately,
thick smear, thin smear, etc.
Thick-It powder:
(OTC) additive to thicken foods’
consistency, makes them easier to eat for dysphagia patients.
Thiele massage: rehabilitation
therapy.
third spacing: phrase meaning the oozing of fluid or blood into a
space.
Thoma tissue
retractor: (Dental)
Thomas heel
Thomas knee splint
Thomas-Thompson-Straub
procedure: gluteus medius ?
Thomas-type collar:
(Ortho) type of cervical
collar.
Thompson test: (Pod) Achilles
squeeze test, aka, Thompson squeeze test; test for disruption, rupture of
Achilles tendon.
Thoms-Gaylor
uterine forceps: (Instrument)
Thora-Drain III: (Equip) chest
thoracic outlet syndrome: collection
of symptoms that occur with abnormal compression of the neurovascular bundle in
the underarm and thorax region.
thoracic spine: also called dorsal spine, T1 through T12
thoracoacromial artery: (Anatomy) upper arm.
Thorek-Mixter gallbladder
forceps: (Instrument)
Thornton Adjustable
Positioner (TAP): A retainer-like device to help prevent
snoring.
Thornwald antrum
trephine: (Instrument)
three-bottle system: underwater seal device, chest tube insertion
three-compartment model of Monro-Kellie: (Neuro) related to intracranial pressure, divided
into contributions from cerebrospinal
fluid, vascular tissue, brain tissue; pressure will stay the same if levels in
each of the 3 compartments stays the same, otherwise a change in pressure must
occur.
three orthogonal Frank lead system: (Cardio) electrocardiogram.
three-way stopcock: device to remove fluid, used in spinal tap.
threonine leucine
Thrombus Precursor
Protein (TpPT):
(Lab) test for early
diagnosis of preeclampsia (HPI 2000).
thumb CMC grind test: (Ortho)
carpometacarpal.
thumb spica cast: also toe spica cast
thumb sign: characteristic swelling of epiglottis.
thump test: (Pod)
percussion of foot/ankle.
Thunder God vine: (Homeopathy)
Asian plant used for treatment of arthritis.
Thymitaq: an
anticancer agent (MT Desk 2000).
Thymoglobulin: an
antibody for kidney transplant recipients
thyroidea ima venae: thyroid vein.
ThyroShield: OTC containing potassium
iodide; to be used as a protective agent in case of nuclear exposure.
Thyro-Tabs: (Rx) generic =
levothyroxine; thyroid replacement.
tibia vara: (Condition) genu varum.
tibial plafond: (Ortho) tibia/ankle area.
tibial plateau fracture:
(Injury)
to either or both tibial condyles.
tibial torsion: (Condition) inward twisting
of shin bones, causing “pigeon toe”.
tibial collateral ligament:
(Anatomy)
ankle.
tibiofibular ligament: (Anatomy) lower leg.
tibiotalar ligament: (Anatomy) ankle.
tic douloureux: (Neuro) trigeminal neuralgia, more info at www.ninds.nih.gov/
tick-borne diseases: Asian tick typhus, babesiosis, Colorado tick fever, erhlichiosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever,
tick-bite granuloma, tick paralysis, tularemia, etc.
TICO: Thrombolysis in Coronary Occlusion
Ti-Cron sutures: or
Tycron, either spelling is acceptable (Vera Pyle, Medical Terminology, 8th
Ed., 2003).
tidal volume: (Pulmonary) the amount of air exchanged with each
breath.
Tietze syndrome: (Ortho) costochondritis
TiFrame posterior fixation system: (Device/Ortho)
for posterior cervical fixation of spine.
TIG: tetanus immune globulin
tigecycline: (Rx) generic for Tygacil; antibiotic.
tigroid fundus: (Ophth) fundus that appears to be “dotted”, also
called leopard fundus, mosaic.
Tikhoff-Lindberg operation: (Surgery)
limb-sparing procedure for removal of tumor involving the proximal humerus and
scapula.
Tikosyn: (Rx) generic = dofetilide; antiarrhythmic drug
(2001).
TIL: (Abbrev) tumor infiltrating lymphocyte, sometimes dictated
as TILs.
Tillaux fracture: (Ortho)
distal tibia fracture; pronounced “till-low”.
tilt table: used diagnostically for cardiac/neurology diagnoses;
vertigo, BPV, syncope, etc.
tiludronate:
(Rx) a type of bisphosphonate
drug.
Timberlake
obturator: (Instruments/Uro)
timbre:
(Voice) the characteristic
quality of sound.
time is muscle: (Medical Phrase) meaning the reason for initiating
treatment for MI as early as possible.
TIMI Team: (Cardio)
TPA in Myocardial Infarction Team
TIMI trial: Thrombolysis
in Myocardial Infarction trial; also TIMI-2b.
timolol gel: (Rx) generic for Timoptic, for glaucoma, ocular hypertension.
Tinamed: OTC treatment for warts (2001).
tincture of time: (Phrase) meaning watchful waiting.
tincture of Zephiran: (First Aid) benzalkonium
chloride; a topical antiseptic solution, also called BAC.
Tindamax: (Rx) generic = tinidazole; antiparasitic drug,
for giardiasis, trichomoniasis, etc.
tined: (ENT) as in the tine test, or having done the tine
test, example: “We tined the patient…”
Tinetti gait
evaluation: (Geriatrics) named for Mary Tinetti, MD, who has done
extensive research on the prevention of falls in the elderly.
Tippy Cup: brand name for a toddler drinking cup, also Sippy
Cup.
tipranavir: (Rx) generic
for Aptivus; for HIV.
tiptoe test: (Vascular) test for arterial narrowing; BP taken at
ankles and arms, patient then stands against a wall and raises and lowers on
tiptoes up to 50 times, BP taken again at ankles and arms. If
BP lower at ankles than at arms, may suggest arterial
narrowing present.
Tirosint:
(Rx) levothyroxine sodium
“tisik”: NO,
should be phthisic
Tisseel: (Cardio) fibrin sealant used in cardiac bypass operations.
tissue welding: (Surgery) binding tissue together by laser irradiation.
titanium ball prosthesis:
(Ortho)
Titmus test: (Ophth)
stereoacuity.
titubation:
(Neuro) tremor or shaking of
head, also staggering or stumbling gait.
tizanidine HCI: (Rx)
generic for Zanaflex; muscle relaxant, for muscle spasticity.
TLC: (Abbrev) total lung capacity (pulmonary function); or
thin-layer chromatography.
TLIF: (Ortho/Abbrev) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
TMC cream: (Derm) triamcinolone.
T max: phrase meaning
maximum temperature.
TNF blocker: (Pharm) tumor necrosis factor blocker; class of drugs
used for rheumatoid arthritis; i.e., Enbrel, Remicade, etc.
TNKase: (Rx)
generic = tenecteplase, clot buster, treatment for heart attack patients.
TNM: (Onc) tumors/nodes/metastases; a system for staging cancer
(primary tumor, regional lymph nodes, metastatic disease); typed as (example
only) -- T2, N1, M1. (NOTE—TX means assessment
cannot be made; T0 means no evidence found.
Tobacco Quit Line:
State of WI program to help
people quit smoking; aka, Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line, Quit Line.
tobogganing: (English/verb;Source: Webster’s Dictionary) as in the act of riding
a toboggan or sled.
Tobrex: (Rx) generic = tobramycin; eye solution for
infections.
Tod muscle: oblique muscle of auricle.
Todaro tendon:
(Cardio) in the heart.
“Todd-Wells Manual of
Stereotaxic Procedures”: (Neuro) reference book by
Edwin Todd, MD.
TODI: acronym for tobramycin solution for inhalation (FDA
2002).
toe spread sign: (Test) for Morton neuroma.
toggle / toggled / toggling: a
pin, bolt, or rod placed transversely through a chain or loop to bind it
temporarily to another similar chain or rope.
TOLAC: (Ob-GYN) acronym for trial
of labor after cesarean; attempt at vaginal birth after previous C-section;
AKA, VBAC, vaginal birth after cesarean.
Toldt, ligament of /
white line of Toldt: (GI/Anatomy) abdomen.
toluene diisocyanate:
(Pulmonary)
a chemical and known cause of asthma.
Tom Jones closure: (GYN/Surgery)
regarding hysterectomy closure type.
Tonalin: (conjugated linoleic acid) OTC supplement said to
reduce body fat (2001).
tongue blade: (Instrument) also called a tongue depressor, used for
mouth exams to hold the tongue out of the way.
tonic-clonic seizure: (Neuro) generalized convulsive seizures
tonsillar coblation: (ENT/Procedure) “microwave” tonsillectomy, uses
radiofrequency probe (HPI 2001).
too-many-toes sign: (Podiatry) looking from
behind the leg, more toes are visible on the lateral side
Toomey syringe: (Instrument)
toothed tenaculum: (Instrument) NOTE-it is not “tooth” tenaculum.
Topamax: (Rx)
generic = topiramate; anticonvulsant drug, available as tablets or Topamax Sprinkles (capsule).
tophaceous gout: (Condition) affecting the toes.
topiramate: (Rx) generic for Topamax; anticonvulsant drug.
topotecan: (Rx) antineoplastic drug.
Topper dressing
sponges: (Surgery)
TORCH screen: (Lab)
test for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes.
Toronto Hospital
Alertness Test: (Pulm)
to evaluate obstructive sleep apnea (HPI
2002).
TORP: (Abbrev./ENT) total
ossicular replacement prosthesis.
torsemide:
(Rx) generic for Demadex; diuretic.
torsion fracture: (Condition) twisting or twisted fracture.
torsional rigidity: (Physics)
Torso Track: (Exercise Equip) an exercise machine for at-home use (Source: Mfg. Body Trends, website 2002).
tortuous: adjective meaning twisted; tortuosity = noun,
a twist.
Tostrelle: (testosterone
gel) Transdermal product for treatment of decreased sexual energy in
postmenopausal women (2001).
toto, in: meaning
in total, usually dictated referring to a surgery or excision of particularly a
cyst or tumor. Note: be careful not to type it as “in
total”.
toupee: partial wig used to cover a bald
spot (usually referring to something a male would wear).
Toupet and Nissen
fundoplication: (GI) laparoscopic treatment for GERD, also
called Nissen and Toupet fundoplication, see also Nissen fundoplication.
touring: (Sport)
regarding skiing, it is the classic form of cross country skiing, using usually
groomed trails with gradual turns and minor slopes (unlike downhill skiing on
major slopes); in biking, touring is bicycling on road, as opposed to mountain
biking or trail riding; touring bikes have thinner tires also.
TOVA testing: (Neuro)
Test of Variables of Attention; used in diagnosing ADD/ADHD.
Tower table: (Ortho/Device)
for spinal fusions
Towne view: (Radiology)
X-ray view of skull.
Townley anatomic knee
replacement: (Procedure/Ortho)
toxic encephalopathy:
environmental
illness with multiple chemical
sensitivities.
toxic strep syndrome:
(Condition) infection with
toxicogenic Streptococci, an illness that looks nearly exactly like toxic shock
syndrome.
toxo IgG antibody:
(Lab/Infectious Disease) In
HIV, a positive test indicates a past toxoplasmosis infection.
toxo IgM antibody:
(Lab/Infectious Disease) In
HIV, a positive test indicates a current or recent infection of
toxoplasmosis.
toxo IFA chemistry test:
(Lab) antibodies test.
Toxoplasma gondii: infectious
parasite.
toxoplasmosis: (Condition/Infectious Disease) an infection caused by
Toxoplasma gondii (a parasite); healthy immune systems keep it from infecting
the body; very harmful to AIDS patients with T cell counts below 100.
TP: (Abbrev/Ortho) transverse
process of spine
TQa: transcutaneous access device.
trabecular bone: also called cancellous
bone; spongy bone.
trabecular pattern: mesh or lattice-type
pattern.
trabeculectomy: (Proc/Ophth) treatment for glaucoma.
Tracleer: (Rx)
generic = bosentan; drug for CHF and hypertension.
traction spur: (Condition) from disk herniation.
tragi: plural
of tragus; part of ear cartilage. (Source: Stedman’s).
TRAIDS: (Acronym/Hematology) transfusion-associated syndrome.
TRAM: transverse
rectus abdominis muscle.
TRAM flap: (Plastics)
uses transverse rectus abdominis muscle to carry lower abdominal skin and fat
for breast reconstruction.
tramtracks: (Radio) on chest x-ray, thickening of the bronchial wall that
produces parallel lines on x-ray.
trandolapril :
(Rx) generic for Mavik,
antihypertensive drug.
transcondylar fracture: (Ortho) elbow fracture.
Transcranial
Doppler: (Test) measures blood flow to the brain.
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator: (Neuro/Device) better known as a TENS unit, for pain
relief.
transcystic duct exploration:
(GI) laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones.
transcystic papillotomy: (GI)
endoscopic bile duct stone removal in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
transient bone marrow edema syndrome: form of osteoporosis.
transient ischemic attack:
(Neuro) TIA; neurologic
deficit caused by atheromatous plaque breaking off and lodging in blood vessel.
transitional cell carcinoma:
(Uro) occurs mostly in the urinary system, also can be of
the ovary.
transitional vertebra: vertebra
having characteristics of the spinal regions surrounding it; also may refer to
partially fused vertebrae.
transkaryotic implantation:
(Procedure) insulin gene is
inserted into a sample of the patient’s liver cells (or other appropriate
cells), then returned to the patient where they manufacture insulin.
transmetatarsal amputation: (Ortho) amputation across metatarsal bones.
Transport catheter: (Cardiology)
balloon dilatation and infusion catheter; Style Note: brand name, capitalize (FDA 1997).
transsphenoidal hypophysectomy:
(Procedure) removal of
pituitary tumors via sphenoid sinus.
transsyndesmotic screw: (Ortho)
transtelephonic exercise monitor:
TEM; also transtelephonic event monitor (Stedman’s).
transtrochanteric valgus osteotomy: TVO
transudate: passing of fluid through a membrane or extruded from
the blood (note that exudates means deposit of fluid on to the surface of the
skin).
transvenous pacer: (Cardio/Device) transvenous pacemaker.
transversalis fascia: (Anatomy) lines abdominal wall.
transverse fracture: (Ortho) fracture in which bone is broken straight
across.
transverse process: TP, part of a vertebra which protrudes at the side.
Transverse Sector
Transducer: (Device/Urology) provides
axial views of the prostate for determining bilateral symmetry of the gland and
seminal vesicles.
trapeziectomy: (Ortho) removal of the trapezium bone (hand).
trapeziometacarpal arthritis: (Rheum) inflammation of the joints of the hand.
trapezium bone: (Anatomy/Hand) the most lateral bone of the distal
row of carpal bones in the hand.
trapezoid bone: (Anatomy/Hand) the bone in the distal row of carpal
bones, lying between trapezium bone and capitate bones.
trapezius muscle: (Anatomy/Back), over shoulder blade; plural = trapezii
trash foot: (Condition/Vacular)
also called blue foot syndrome; may occur as a complication of aortic aneurysm
repair; caused by lodging of distal emboli that may cause infarction to part or
all of the foot.
Trasylol: (Rx) generic = aprotinin; injected in bypass surgery
to prevent blood loss. NOTE: It has been linked to heart attack and stroke, precautions are advised per FDA (2006).
TraumaJet: (Equip) wound debridement system (HPI 2001)
Trautmann triangle: (Anatomy/ENT)
in the area of transverse sinus, labyrinth of ear, and inferior temporal line.
Travatan: (Rx)
generic = travoprost 0.004%; eye solution for glaucoma (FDA 2001).
Travenol needle: (Instrument)
Trelstar Depot: (Rx) triptorelin pamoate; 1-month controlled release
formula, treatment for prostate cancer (FDA 2000).
Trelstar LA: (Rx)
triptorelin pamoate; 3-month controlled release formula, treatment for prostate
cancer (FDA 2001).
Trendelenburg operation: in varicose vein surgery, tying off saphenous vein.
Trendelenburg
position: patient lying on sloping bed with head lower than the
feet.
Trendelenburg sign: congenital
hip dislocation.
Trental: (Rx) generic = oxpentifylline; blood viscosity
reducer, drug for peripheral vascular disease, intermittent claudication.
Trexall: (Rx) methotrexate; treatment for severe psoriasis and
rheumatoid arthritis, antineoplasm (2001).
Triacting: OTC pediatric liquid decongestant/expectorant.
triad knee repair: (Ortho/Procedure) also called Donoghue
procedure.
triathalon: (Sports) a 3-event (swim, bike, run) endurance athletic event
(see IronMan Triathalon for
more info).
triaxial prosthesis: (Ortho)
Triaz cream /
cleanser: (Rx) contains benzoyl peroxide, for acne.
triazine polymer resin:
material used in hip
replacements, reinforced with carbon fibers.
TRICARE: A health insurance and benefits program for the
military and armed services personnel; note their website
always uses all caps when writing this word (www.tricare.osd.mil/ )
triceps: (Anatomy) note this is the singular AND plural
spelling, never “tricep”.
trichinosis: (Condition) disease from ingestion of raw or
undercooked meat, especially pork, contaminated with the Trichinella parasite.
trichloroacetic acid: TC, wart treatment (see also bichloroacetic
acid).
triestrogen: (Rx) hormone replacement therapy, 80% estriol, 10%
estrone, 10% estradiol; see also biestrogen.
trifascicular block: (Cardio) conduction impairment in all 3 fascicles of
bundle branches.
triflange nail: (Ortho) for fracture repair.
trifluridine:
(Rx) generic for Viroptic eye
drops; antiviral.
trigeminal
neuralgia: (Condition/Neuro) condition of fifth cranial nerve,
causing severe, shooting pain to areas of face where the nerve branches are
distributed; also called tic douloureux, more info at : http://www.tna-support.org/
trigeminy: (Condition/Cardio) irregular heartbeat, 1 normal beat
followed by 2 irregular beats.
Trileptal: (Rx)
generic = oxcarbazepine; drug for partial seizures (FDA).
Trillat procedure: (Orthopedics)
patellar tendon transfer, pronounced “tree-ott”.
TRI-LUMA: (Rx/Derm)
drug for melasma; Style Note: OK to type as Tri-Luma.
trimalleolar fracture: 3-part, twisting fracture of malleoli.
Trinalin Repetabs: (Rx)
azatadine maleate/pseudoephedrine sulfate; oral antihistamine/decongestant.
Tri-Nasal: (Rx)
triamcinolone acetonide; nasal spray, treatment for perennial allergic
rhinitis.
TriNessa: (Rx) birth control pill.
Trinovin: OTC
dietary supplement made from red clover-based isoflavones
said to reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
tripartite patella: (Condition/Ortho)
patella divided into 3 parts.
triple vessel disease: (Cardio)
triple-A repair: AAA, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
triple arthrodesis: (Ortho) foot.
triple lumen perfusion:
(Gastro) to measure
jejunal absorption.
triple response of Lewis:
(Derm) wheal-flare reaction.
triploidy syndrome: (Endo) also called triploid syndrome; rare disease
involving 3 full sets, or 69, chromosomes, rather than the normal 46; many
infants die before 5 months of age.
triptorelin pamoate: (Rx) injectable,
palliative treatment for prostate CA.
triquetrum / triquetral bone:
(Anatomy) wrist bone
triradiate cartilage: (Anatomy) meeting point of ischium, ilium, and pubis.
Trisenox: (Rx)
arsenic trioxide; leukemia treatment.
Triseptin: surgical hand scrub solution.
trisomy 8, trisomy 13, trisomy 20, trisomy
21: all chromosomal disorders; trisomy 21 is Down syndrome.
Tri-Sprintec: (Rx) norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol; birth control
pill.
Triton pin collet: (Ortho)
auto locking pin used in spinal, cranial, and small bone surgeries.
TriVex procedure: (Vascular) trademarked procedure to remove varicose
veins (AAMT 2001).
Trivora: (Rx)
brand of birth control pill (2000).
Trizivir: (Rx)
HIV treatment, 3-in-1 drug, also called Trivir.
trocar: preferred spelling of this surgical instrument,
rather than trochar (Dorland’s).
troika of consciousness cycle: (Sleep
Lab) a model for determining sleep debt and sleepiness (HPI 2002)
trophoblastic tumor: gestational
troponin level: (Lab/Cardio) troponin C, troponin I, troponin T; test
to indicate degree of cardiac damage.
troponin T protein: (Lab/Cardio) protein released during a cardiac event.
Trotter syndrome: (ENT/Onc/Condition) referred
pain in the lower jaw, tongue, and side of the head caused by a tumor of the
nasopharynx.
trough level: the lowest level, used particularly when talking
about drug levels in the blood, as in peak and trough levels.
Trousseau sign: two
possibilities, either (1) carpopedal spasm seen in osteomalacia, latent tetany,
hypocalcemia; or (2) migratory thrombophlebitis, seen in abdominal
malignancies.
Troutman-Castroviejo
corneal scissors: (Instrument/Ophth)
TRUE test: (Allergy) Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous test, for
allergen testing, diagnostic (Dorland’s).
Trumm, Madonna, NP:
(Person) From the Community
Living Alliance, 1310 Mendota Street, Madison, WI 53714.
trumpeting: (on x-ray) metaphysis enlarged, cortex narrowing at
central point of shaft.
truncal vagotomy: (Procedure) for peptic ulcer disease.
trunnion hip replacement: (Ortho)
Truvada: (Rx) generic = emtricitabine/tenofovir; combination
treatment for HIV.
trypsin: (Lab) enzyme produced in pancreas, breaks down
proteins for use in other parts of the body.
T/Sal
shampoo: OTC shampoo for dandruff, itching scalp (from
Neutrogena).
T-Scan 2000: (Radio) breast imaging device, hand held, used as follow up to
mammography.
TSH – 3G: (Lab) AKA, 3G TSH; lab test.
TSST-1: (Lab)
toxic shock syndrome toxin.
T score: on
bone density scans; also Z score, also on bone density scans
Tsuge tendon repair: (Procedure/Ortho)
hand.
TTAP: threaded
titanium acetabular prosthesis.
TTOT: transtracheal oxygen therapy, method of delivering
supplemental oxygen directly into the trachea.
tuberculosis, kidney/renal:
infection of the urinary
system with Mycobacterium.
tuberculosis, military: form of TB in which some organs are seeded with a
millet-seed like tubercles.
tuberculosis tine test: TB tine test, diagnostic for tuberculosis, skin test.
tuberculostearic acid assay: (Lab) diagnostic technique for TB.
tuberculous pneumonia: (Pulm) overwhelming lung
infection.
tuberous sclerosis: (Neuro)
hereditary brain disease causing small tumors on the brain and vital organs,
seizures. More info:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Tubex injectors: needles
designed to decrease accidental needle sticks.
tubular breath sounds:
(Condition/Pulm) bronchial, hollow-sounding breathing.
tubulovillous adenoma: (Condition) GI.
tuft fracture: distal phalanx of digit
tulip probe: (Neuro)
Tumarkin otolithic crisis:
(Neuro) sudden drop attack
without loss of consciousness or vertigo.
tumbler grafts and flaps:
(Plastic Surgery).
Tum-E-Vac: gastric lavage tube.
TUNA: (Acronym/Urology)
transurethral needle ablation of the prostate, treatment for BPH
.
tunable dye laser: (Device/Derm) to eliminate facial spider veins and
port wine stains.
tunnel view: (Radio) X-ray view
Tuohy needle: (Neuro)
turban: headdress made out of a long strip of cloth.
turbid: cloudiness (see also turgid below).
Turbohaler: (Device) delivery system for asthma drug,
particularly Pulmicort Turbohaler.
TURBT: (Acronym/Urology/Procedure)
transurethral resection of bladder tumor.
Turco procedure: (Ortho)
for clubfoot
Turcot syndrome: GI
adenomas and CNS tumors, onset in teens.
turf toe: (Condition) sprain of the toe, plantar capsule
ligament complex, name comes from condition usually occurring in football
players, or athletes who play on artificial turf.
turgid: swollen (Note: turbid means cloudiness).
turgor: swelling, fullness.
turnbuckle cast: for scoliosis.
Turner-Warwick
urethroplasty: (Surgery) for urethral
stricture.
TVT surgery: (OB-GYN)
tension-free vaginal tape insertion; treatment for urinary incontinence.
12-lead EKG: (Test/Cardio) electrocardiogram
12-point review of
systems: Part of History and Physical Exam dictation;
may also be typed “twelve-point review of systems”, pertains to the number of
body systems checked.
25-Hydroxy vitamin
D: (Lab) may also type without hyphen, 25 Hydroxy.
Twinrix vaccine:
Hepatitis series.
Twisk forceps /
scissors: (Instruments)
twitchy lungs: (Pulm) In
asthma, lungs go into spasm, airways become narrow.
two-point discrimination:
(Exam) able to feel or
discriminate when touched in 2 different places.
two- or four-poster orthosis: (Device)
two-quarter test: (Exam/Neuro)
Patient closes eyes, quarter is placed in each hand, patient is asked to turn
the coins “heads up”; if patient has had a parietal stroke, he/she will not be
able to do this correctly.
two-step Master test: (Cardio) exercise stress test.
2-visit HPV DNA
triage: (Lab/GYN) test which requires a woman with an ASCUS
result on Pap smear to return within 1 month to provide another specimen for
testing.
Tygacil:
(Rx) tigecycline; antibiotic.
tylectomy: (Surgery) lumpectomy.
Tym-tap: (Instrument)
Typhim Vi:
typhoid vaccine (1999).
tyramine diet: (Cardio) foods containing tyramine, such as flat
beans, cheese, red wine are forbidden when using monoamine oxidase inhibitors
because of potential hypertensive crisis.
Tyrell iris hook: (Instrument)
Tysabri:
(Rx) generic = natalizumab; drug for relapsing MS; NOTE: Feb. 2005, marketing for this drug has been
suspended due to suspected link between Tysabri
and PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy), a rare neurological
disease with progressive deterioration and possibly death in 2 patients who
took Tysabri.
Tyzeka:
(Rx) generic - telbivudine; drug for hepatitis B.
Tzanck test: (Lab) pronounced “zank”;
test for herpes infections, as well as varicella zoster (chicken pox).
TZD: thiazolidinedione, a class of diabetes drugs.