cause potentially fatal haemorrhage, and
an emergency splenectomyis needed.
splenectomySurgical removal of the
spleen. Splenectomy is performed after
the spleen has been seriously injured or
to treat hypersplenismor certain forms
of anaemia. The absence of thespleen
does not normally cause problems; its
function is largely taken over by other
parts of the lymphatic system and by the
liver. People who have had a splenec-
tomy are more susceptible to certain
infections and are given pneumococcal
vaccine and long-term antibiotics.
splintA device used to immobilize a
part of the body.
splinter haemorrhageBleeding under
the fingernails visible as tiny splinter-
like marks. Usually due to trauma, it can
also be a sign of infective endocarditis.
splintingThe application of a splint,
most often used to immobilize a frac-
tured or otherwise injured limb or digit.
splinting, dentalThe mechanical join-
ing of several teeth to hold them firmly
in place while an injury heals or while
periodontal diseaseis treated.
split personalityA common term for
multiple personality. It is also used,
incorrectly, to describe schizophrenia.
spondylitisInflammation of the joints
between the vertebrae in the spine. It is
usually caused by osteoarthritis, rheum-
atoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.
spondylolisthesisThe slipping forwards
(or occasionally backwards) of a verte-
braover the one below it.
spondylolysisA disorder of the spine in
which the arch of the 5th (or, rarely, the
4th) lumbar vertebra consists of soft
fibrous tissue instead of normal bone. As
a result, the arch is weak and prone to
damage under stress, which may produce
spondylolisthesis. Otherwise, spondyloly-
sis is usually symptomless. See cervical
spondylosis; cervical osteoarthritis.
sporotrichosisA chronic infection cau-
sed by the fungus SPOROTHRIX SCHENCKII,
which grows on plants. The infection is
most often contracted through a skin
wound; gardeners are particularly vul-
nerable. An ulcer develops at the site of
the wound, followed by the formation
of nodules in lymph channels around
the site. Potassium iodide solution takenorally usually clears up the infection.
Rarely, in people with reducedimmunity,
sporotrichosis spreads to other parts of
the body and requires treatment with
amphotericin, an antifungal drug.
sport, drugs andFour main types of
drug are abused by athletes to enhance
physical or mental condition. Stimulants
such as amfetaminescan prevent fatigue
and increase confidence. Three types of
hormone drugs may be abused: anabolic
steroids (see steroids, anabolic) to speed
muscle recovery after exercise; erythropo-
ietin to boost the haemoglobin content
of the blood, which may increase stam-
ina; and growth hormoneto stimulate
muscle growth. Analgesic drugsmay be
used to mask the pain of an injury. Beta-
blockersare taken toreduce tremor in
sports that require a steady hand.Aside
from the health risks associated with
abuse of these drugs, their use is pro-
hibited in many competitive sports.
sports injuriesAny injury that arises
during sports participation. Typical
sports injuries include fractures, head
injury (including concussion), muscle
strainor compartment syndrome, liga-
ment sprain, tendinitisor tendon rupture,
and joint dislocationor subluxation. Some
so-called sports injuries, such as tennis
elbow, are in fact a type of overuse injury.
sports medicineThe medical speciality
concerned with assessment and improve-
ment of fitnessand the treatment and
prevention of disorders related to sports.
spotA general term for a small lump,
mark, or inflamed area on the skin.
spottingSee breakthrough bleeding.
sprainTearing or stretching of the liga-
mentsthat hold together the bone ends
in a joint, caused by a sudden pull. The
ankleis the most commonly sprained
joint. A sprain causes painful swelling
of the joint, which cannot be moved
without increasing the pain. There may
also be spasm of surrounding muscles.
Treatment consists of applying an ice-
pack, wrapping the joint in a bandage,
resting it in a raised position, and tak-
ing analgesic drugs. In severe cases,
surgical repair may be necessary.
sprueAn intestinal disorder causing
failure to absorb nutrients from food.
(See also sprue, tropical; coeliac disease.)SPLENECTOMY SPRUES