Cartilage lesion: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A Cartilage lesion is an area of damaged joint cartilage. It most often refers to injury or wear of the smooth “articular cartilage” that covers the ends of bones. It is commonly discussed in the hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder in orthopedics and sports medicine. It can be found on imaging or during arthroscopy when evaluating joint pain or mechanical symptoms.

Cartilage delamination: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Cartilage delamination is a type of joint cartilage injury where a layer of cartilage separates from the tissue beneath it. It most often refers to separation at the boundary between cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. Clinicians commonly use the term in hip, knee, and ankle evaluations, especially in sports medicine and arthroscopy. It is discussed as a diagnostic finding, not as a treatment or device.

Carriage joint: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Carriage joint is a term most often used for a **mechanical joint** that lets one component slide along a track while staying aligned. It is commonly found in **orthopedic and rehabilitation equipment** rather than as a named human anatomical joint. In hip-related care, it may be part of devices that help with **positioning, traction, controlled motion, or repeatable testing**. Meaning and design details can vary by clinician and case, and by material and manufacturer.

Capsulotomy: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Capsulotomy is a controlled surgical cut (incision) made in a joint capsule. The joint capsule is the tough, fibrous tissue envelope that surrounds a joint. In orthopedics, Capsulotomy is commonly used during arthroscopy to access the hip joint. It may also be used in other joints when surgeons need exposure or need to release capsular tightness.

Capsulitis: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Capsulitis means inflammation of a joint capsule. The joint capsule is the soft-tissue “envelope” that surrounds a joint. Capsulitis is commonly discussed in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy when pain and stiffness seem to come from the capsule itself. It can involve different joints, including the shoulder, hip, ankle, and forefoot.

Capsular thickening imaging: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Capsular thickening imaging describes how clinicians look for a thicker-than-expected joint capsule on medical imaging. The joint capsule is the strong sleeve of tissue that surrounds a joint and helps guide and limit motion. This imaging concept is most commonly discussed with MRI, MR arthrography, and ultrasound. It is used in hip care to help explain pain, stiffness, instability concerns, or postoperative symptoms.

Capsular thickening: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Capsular thickening means the joint capsule has become thicker than expected. The joint capsule is a sleeve of connective tissue that surrounds a joint and helps stabilize it. In the hip, Capsular thickening is most often discussed as an imaging or exam-related finding in people with hip pain or stiffness. Clinicians may mention it when interpreting MRI results, planning treatment, or explaining motion limits.

Capsular tightness: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Capsular tightness describes reduced flexibility or increased stiffness of a joint capsule. The joint capsule is the fibrous “envelope” that surrounds a joint and helps guide motion. In hip care, Capsular tightness is commonly discussed when hip motion feels restricted or painful. Clinicians also use the term when planning or describing treatments that intentionally tighten or loosen the capsule.

Capsular repair THA: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Capsular repair THA is the surgical re-closure of the hip joint capsule after total hip arthroplasty (THA), also called total hip replacement. The “capsule” is a strong envelope of tissue that surrounds the hip joint and contributes to stability. In some THA approaches, the capsule is opened to access the joint, and then repaired at the end of surgery. It is most commonly discussed in the context of hip stability and dislocation risk after hip replacement.

Capsular repair: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Capsular repair is a surgical step that closes or tightens a joint capsule after it has been cut or stretched. The joint capsule is the fibrous “envelope” that surrounds a joint and contributes to stability. Capsular repair is commonly discussed in hip arthroscopy, where the capsule is opened to treat problems inside the hip joint. The goal is to restore the capsule’s supporting function while preserving needed joint motion.