Orthopedic Treatments

noun a rigid support used for the immobilization of a broken bone or injured body part

• The doctor applied a splint to the patient's broken arm to immobilize it.
• I heard you have to wear a splint for a few weeks after spraining your wrist.
• I can't believe I have to rock this splint for the next month.
• She used humor as a splint to help cope with the difficult situation.

noun a stretching or tearing of ligaments, especially in a joint

verb to wrench or twist the ligaments of (an ankle, wrist, or other joint) violently so as to cause pain and swelling but not dislocation

• The doctor diagnosed her with a sprain in her ankle and recommended rest and ice.
• I think I might have a sprain in my wrist from playing basketball too hard.
• Dude, I totally sprained my ankle trying to do that skateboard trick.
• Her pride took a sprain when she failed the exam she studied so hard for.

noun a genetic disorder that results in dwarfism and is characterized by abnormal bone growth

• Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder that results in dwarfism.
• My friend was born with achondroplasia, which is why he is shorter than most people.
• Some people mistakenly believe that achondroplasia is contagious, which is completely false.
• Dealing with achondroplasia can feel like constantly climbing a mountain, but with the right support, it can be manageable.