References. 1  Shmerling RH. Approach to the patient with myalgia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. 2  LeBlond RF, et al., eds. The spine, pelvis and extremities. 3  Muscle cramps. Merck Manual Professional Version. 4  Sprains, strains and other soft tissue injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Hydronephrosis â literally water inside the kidney â refers to distension and dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces, usually caused by obstruction of the free flow of urine from the kidney. Untreated, it leads to progressive atrophy of the kidney.
In more severe cases, it may be caused by a blockage in the flow of urine from the kidney(s) to the bladder, backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidney(s), or a blockage in the flow of urine out of the bladder. Read more about the causes of hydronephrosis.