Definition: Crepitus is a clinical symptom in medicine that is characterized by a peculiar crackling, crinkly, or grating feeling or sound under the skin, around the lungs, or in the joints. Crepitus in soft tissues is often due to gas, most often air, that has penetrated and infiltrated an area where it should not normally be (for example, in the soft tissues beneath the skin).
Crepitus in a joint can indicate cartilage wear in the joint space. The term "crepitus" is taken directly from the Latin "crepitus" meaning "a crackling sound or rattle." Typically crepitus is a grinding noise coupled with a sensation in the affected joint. Crepitus can occur with or without pain.
REFERENCE: New Webster's Medical Dictionary, Second Edition, from the Doctors at MedicineNet
Pronunciation: krep-it-us
Also Known As: creaky joints, popping joints
Common Misspellings: crepitis
Examples: The doctor heard sounds of crepitus in my ankle during the examination.
