Definition Juvenile arthritis (JA), also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), refers to a number of different conditions, all of which strike children, and all of which have immune-mediated joint inflammation as their major manifestation. JRA is also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis or JIA. The European...

Definition Joint replacement is the surgical replacement of a joint with an artificial prosthesis. Purpose Great advances have been made in joint replacement since the first hip replacement was performed in the United States in 1969. Improvements have been made in the endurance and...

Definition Joint fluid analysis, also called synovial fluid analysis, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure used to assess joint-related abnormalities, such as in the knee or elbow. Purpose The purpose of a joint fluid analysis is to identify the cause of swelling in the joints, to relieve pain and distention from fluid accumulation in the joint, and...

Definition A joint or synovial membrane biopsy refers to a procedure where a sample of the joint lining or synovial membrane is taken. Purpose A joint biopsy is performed to determine why a joint is painful or swollen. It is usually reserved for more difficult cases where the diagnosis is not clear. The test can be used to diagnose bacterial or fungal infections,...

Definition Also known as Tinea cruris, jock itch is a growth of fungus in the warm, moist area of the groin. Description Although there are many causes of jock itch, this term has become synonymous with tinea cruris, a common fungal infection that affects the groin and inner thighs of men and woman. Tinea is the name of the fungus; cruris comes from the...

Definition Jet lag is a condition marked by fatigue, insomnia, and irritability that is caused by air travel through changing time zones. It is commonplace: a 2002 study of international business travelers (IBTs) found that jet lag was one of the most common health problems reported, affecting as many as 74% of IBTs. Description Living...

Definition Jaw wiring, also known as maxillomandibular fixation, is a surgical procedure where metal pins and wires are anchored into the jaw bones and surrounding tissues to keep the jaw from moving. Purpose Sports injuries, automobile accidents, falls, or fist-fights are a few of the situations where the jawmight be fractured or broken. In these cases, jaw wiring may...

Definition Japanese encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by a virus. The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Description The virus that causes Japanese encephalitis is called an arbovirus, which is an arthropod-borne virus. Mosquitoes are a type of arthropod. Mosquitoes in a number of regions carry this virus and are responsible for passing it along to humans. Many of these areas are...

Jaundice is a symptom in which bilirubin, a bile pigment, is deposited in certain tissues of the body, giving the skin, the mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes a yellow color. A. When Red Blood Cell Destruction Is Increased. Under this circumstance the amount of bilirubin being carried to the liver for final disposal is so great that some of the excess seeps into the spaces between the tissue cells,...