What does functional mean in medical terms?

Functional in medical terms refers to the ability of an organ, tissue, or system to perform its normal function. It can also refer to the restoration of function after an injury or illness.

For example, a patient may be said to have functional vision if they are able to see well enough to perform daily activities, even if they may not have perfect vision. Similarly, a patient may be said to have functional mobility if they are able to walk or move around independently, even if they may need assistive devices such as a cane or wheelchair.

The term functional can also be used to describe procedures or interventions that are designed to restore function. For example, functional surgery may be performed to repair damaged tissues or to improve the function of an organ. Functional rehabilitation may be provided to help patients regain lost function after an injury or illness.

In general, the term functional is used to describe the ability of a body part or system to perform its intended purpose. It is an important concept in medicine because it helps doctors to assess a patient's condition and to develop treatment plans that will help to restore function.