syndesmosis
Definition
- Noun (Anatomy):
- A type of joint in which bones are connected by a ligament or fibrous tissue, allowing limited movement.
- Specifically, a syndesmosis is a fibrous joint where the bones are united by a sheet of fibrous tissue (interosseous membrane) or a ligament, as seen in the ankle or between the radius and ulna.
Usage Examples
- (A fibrous joint connecting these two leg bones.)
- (An injury to the ligamentous joint in the ankle.)
Advanced Usage
"Syndesmotic joint": a term used interchangeably with syndesmosis.
- The distal tibiofibular joint is a classic example of a syndesmotic joint. (A joint with limited motion, held together by fibrous tissue.)
"Syndesmosis injury": a specific type of injury affecting this joint, common in athletes.
- The footballer was diagnosed with a syndesmosis injury after twisting his ankle. (A sprain of the ligament connecting the tibia and fibula.)
Variants and Related Words
Syndesmotic (adj): relating to or characteristic of a syndesmosis.
- The syndesmotic ligaments provide strength to the joint. (The fibrous connections of the joint.)
Syndesmophyte (n): a bony growth that forms across a syndesmosis, often in conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.
- X-rays revealed syndesmophytes bridging the vertebrae. (Abnormal bone formation across fibrous joints.)
Synonyms
- Fibrous joint: a broader term for joints connected by fibrous tissue, including syndesmoses.
- Ligamentous joint: a joint primarily held together by ligaments.
Related Idioms
- (No common idioms, but note in medical contexts:)
- "Syndesmosis screw": a surgical screw used to stabilize a syndesmosis injury.
- The surgeon inserted a syndesmosis screw to hold the bones together during healing. (A temporary fixation device.)
Additional Notes
- Syndesmosis is distinct from other fibrous joints like sutures (in the skull) and gomphoses (tooth sockets), as it allows slight movement (amphiarthrosis).