O
Open chain exercise
An 'open chain' exercise in one in which the end of the limb being exercised is free from contact with any surface for some part of the excursion.
Opening wedge
An opening wedge describes a type of knee osteotomy for correcting limb alignment.
Opening-wedge osteotomy
An opening-wedge osteotomy is a surgical procedure where a bone is cut partly through and wedged open, in order to re-angle the bone. Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
ORIF
ORIF is an abbreviation for 'open reduction and internal fixation', and refers to bone fractures. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Orthobiologic
An orthobiologic helps injuries to heal damaged bones, tendons, ligaments and muscle by using cell-based therapies and biological materials that will become part of the repaired but living tissue.
Orthopaedic
The term 'orthopaedic' relates to the medical management of disorders of bones and soft tissues of the limbs.
Orthopaedic surgeon
An orthopaedic surgeon is a specialist in surgery of the bones and soft tissues of the limbs.
Orthotic
An orthotic is a shoe insert.
Orthotics
Orthotics is the discipline of improving gait or leg stability with shoe inserts or knee braces.
Orthotist
An orthotist is a clinician who specialises in optimising the forces through the feet via insoles of various shapes and custom footware.