Crepitus

Crepitus
Other namesCrepitation
Pronunciation

Crepitus is "a grating sound or sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage or the fractured parts of a bone".

Various types of crepitus that can be heard in joint pathologies are:

  • Bone crepitus: This can be heard when two fragments of a fracture are moved against each other.
  • Joint crepitus: This can be obtained when the affected joint is passively moved with one hand, while the other hand is placed on the joint to feel the crepitus.
  • Crepitus of bursitis: This is heard when the fluid in the bursa contains small, loose fibrinous particles.
  • Crepitus of tenosynovitis: From inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath (synovium) that surrounds a tendon.