Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Scalp tourniquet

    A tourniquet applied to the scalp during IV administration of antineoplastic drugs to restrict blood flow to the hair-bearing portion of the scalp. This procedure helps prevent the cranial alopecia that may accompany the chemotherapy used to treat certain types of cancer.  

  • Harmonic scalpel

    An ultrasonic dissecting device used in surgery to disrupt, disintegrate, or coagulate tissues, especially those with a high water or fat content. The device works by cavitating the tissues it contacts. When used laparoscopically, tissues destroyed by the scalpel are removed from the body by aspiration.  

  • Scall

    Dermatitis of the scalp producing a crusted scabby eruption. A skin condition, like psoriasis or impetigo, marked by the presence of scabs or scales.  

  • Sickle scaler

    A manual device used to remove supragingival calculus. The instrument has two parallel cutting edges on the face of the blade that converge to form a point. It is effective but slow and damages enamel more than ultrasonic or magnetostrictive scalers.  

  • Magnetostrictive scaler

    An electrically powered device used for calculus and tartar removal as an alternative to ultrasonic scaling or manual curettage. Typical units use a stack of metal strips in the handpiece and move in an elliptical pattern.  

  • Scalenotomy

    Surgical division of one or more of the scalenus muscles. A surgical procedure where the scalenus anterior muscle is cut to alleviate pressure on the nerves, addressing symptoms of the cervical rib.  

  • Scalenectomy

    Resection of any of the scalenus muscles.  

  • Scalene

    Having unequal sides and angles, said of a triangle.  

  • Numerical rating scale

    A variation of the visual analog scale that uses a scalar numbering system to objectify a patient’s pain. Most numeric rating scales use a 10-cm line with tick marks spaced 1 cm apart. The leftmost mark is labeled “0” and has the notation “No Pain.” The rightmost mark is labeled “10” and the notation “Worst…

  • Pain scale

    An assessment tool used to measure the intensity of a patient’s discomfort.  

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