Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Known also as hereditary spherocytosis (HS), this is a genetic disorder of the red blood cell membrane clinically characterized by anemia, jaundice (yellowing) and splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), due to deficiency of ankyrin, a protein in the membrane of the red cell. In HS the red cells are smaller, rounder, and more fragile than normal. The red cells have a spherical rather than…

Stiffness or, more often, fusion of a joint. From the Greek ankylsis, meaning stiffening of a joint.

A form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine. Over time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process called ankylosis. Ankylosing spondylitis can sometimes be seen in patients with psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative and Crohn’s colitis).

Having a tendency to stiffen and fuse together.

To undergo ankylosis (stiffening or fusion of a joint).

 A minor birth defect in which the flap of membrane attached to the underside of the tongue (frenulum) is too short. This shortened frenulum limits the mobility of the tongue. Ankyloglossia is also called tongue tie, from the folk belief that the anomaly causes feeding and speech problems. A child cannot feed or speak properly…

A brace, usually made of plastic, that is worn on the lower leg and foot to support the ankle, hold the foot and ankle in the correct position and correct foot drop. Abbreviated AFO. Also known as foot drop brace.

A common musculoskeletal injury in which the ligaments of the ankle partially or completely tear due to sudden stretching. This typically occurs when the ankle is suddenly “twisted” in a sports activity or by stepping off an uneven surface. The pain is initially severe and can be associated with a “popping” sensation. Immediate swelling over the area…

The bony and ligamentous connection of the tibia and fibula at the ankle joint that helps to stabilize the joint. Ankle syndesmosis injury, also called a high ankle sprain, is a tear to one or more of the ligaments above the ankle joint (distal tibiofibular syndesmosis). A high ankle sprain is the one of the most…

A common musculoskeletal injury in which the ligaments of the ankle partially or completely tear due to sudden stretching. This typically occurs when the ankle is suddenly “twisted” in a sports activity or by stepping off an uneven surface. The pain is initially severe and can be associated with a “popping” sensation. Immediate swelling over the area…