What it means
A word for a stalk. A tumor or polyp on a stalk is called pedunculated. In plastic surgery, a pedicle flap is tissue moved to a new place while still joined by a base that carries its blood supply. In the spine, the pedicles are the two short bony bridges on each vertebra, where screws are placed in spinal fusion.
For the nurse
After flap surgery, check the flap's color, warmth and capillary refill often as ordered, and keep pressure off the pedicle.
At a glance
| Also written | pedicles |
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