Radiology glossary

General orthopedic findings, explained

Plain-English explainers for imaging terms that show up all over the body — osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, bursitis, sprains, bone bruises, stress fractures, and cysts — what they mean, which scan shows what, and what to ask your doctor.

• Osteoarthritis — What It Means on Your Report

  Osteoarthritis means age-related joint wear with cartilage loss. Plain-English explainer: X-ray grading, MRI findings, phrasing, and doctor

• Tendinopathy — What It Means on Your Report

  Tendinopathy means a tendon is worn or irritated — not necessarily torn. Plain-English explainer: tendinosis vs tear, ultrasound vs MRI, and

• Bursitis — What It Means on Your Report

  Bursitis means an inflamed cushioning sac near a joint. Plain-English explainer: common sites, how imaging shows it, and doctor questions.

• Ligament Sprain — What It Means on Your Report

  A ligament sprain means stretched or torn stabilizing fibers. Plain-English explainer: grades 1–3, how MRI shows it, and doctor questions.

• Bone Bruise — What It Means on Your Report

  A bone bruise is an MRI-only sign of impact inside the bone. Plain-English explainer: what it means and questions for your doctor.

• Stress Fracture — What It Means on Your Report

  A stress fracture is a tiny crack from repeated loading. Plain-English explainer: why MRI finds it and questions for your doctor.

• Synovitis — What It Means on Your Report

  Synovitis means the joint's lining is inflamed. Plain-English explainer: causes, how MRI and ultrasound show it, and doctor questions.

• Plantar Fasciitis — What It Means on Your Report

  Plantar fasciitis means irritation of the foot's arch band. Plain-English explainer: how ultrasound shows it and questions for your doctor.

• Achilles Tendinopathy — What It Means on Your Report

  Achilles tendinopathy means the heel tendon is worn and thickened. Plain-English explainer and questions for your doctor.

• Ganglion Cyst — What It Means on Your Report

  A ganglion cyst is a benign fluid lump near a joint or tendon. Plain-English explainer: how ultrasound confirms it and doctor questions.