Ankle-brachial index is a simple ratio comparing blood pressure at the ankle to blood pressure in the arm. It is commonly used to screen for reduced blood flow to the legs, often related to peripheral artery disease (PAD). Clinicians use it in vascular medicine, primary care, and perioperative (before-surgery) evaluation. It can also help orthopedic teams understand whether circulation might affect pain, healing, or rehab tolerance.
Anatomic hip is a term used to describe hip care that aims to match a person’s natural hip anatomy as closely as possible. It is most commonly used when discussing hip replacement implant design and surgical reconstruction goals. It may also be used in imaging-based planning and biomechanics when clinicians describe “restoring native anatomy.” The core idea is “anatomy-matching” shape, position, and movement.
Analgesics are medicines used to reduce pain. They do not always treat the underlying cause of pain. They are commonly used for hip pain, arthritis, injuries, and after orthopedic procedures. They may be used alone or alongside physical therapy, injections, or surgery.
Alpha angle measurement is a way to quantify the shape of the ball part of the hip joint. It is most commonly used to assess for “cam morphology,” a bony bump at the femoral head–neck junction. Clinicians measure it on X-ray, MRI, or CT images of the hip. It helps interpret hip pain and guides discussion of imaging and treatment options.
Alpha angle is a measurement used to describe the shape of the ball part of the hip joint. It helps clinicians assess whether the femoral head (the “ball”) is smoothly rounded where it meets the femoral neck. It is most commonly discussed in evaluations for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), especially “cam” morphology. Alpha angle is measured on imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or CT.
ALTR stands for **adverse local tissue reaction**. It describes an abnormal inflammatory response in tissues around a joint implant, most commonly a hip replacement. ALTR is most often discussed in the context of **metal-related debris or corrosion** near an implant. Clinicians use the term when evaluating unexplained hip pain, swelling, or imaging changes around an artificial joint.
AIIS impingement is a hip pain condition where the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) contacts nearby femoral structures during hip motion. It is often discussed alongside femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and “subspine impingement.” It can limit hip flexion (bringing the knee toward the chest) and cause pain at the front of the hip or groin. The term is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, radiology, and physical therapy when evaluating motion-related anterior hip pain.
An AIIS avulsion fracture is a hip-region injury where a small piece of bone is pulled off the pelvis. AIIS means “anterior inferior iliac spine,” a bony bump on the front of the pelvis. It most often happens during sports that involve sprinting, kicking, or sudden hip motion. The term is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, radiology, and physical therapy notes.
AIIS apophysitis is an overuse injury that affects a growth area of the pelvis called the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS). It typically causes pain at the front of the hip or groin, especially during running, kicking, or sprinting. It is most often discussed in sports medicine and pediatric/adolescent orthopedics. It is commonly considered a traction-related irritation where a strong muscle pulls on a developing bony attachment site.
AIIS stands for the anterior inferior iliac spine, a bony prominence on the front of the pelvis. It sits just above the hip socket (acetabulum) and below the ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine). Clinicians use AIIS as an anatomy landmark and as a possible source of hip and groin pain. It is commonly discussed in sports injuries, hip impingement evaluations, and hip surgery planning.