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.
Two types of problems cause hydronephrosis. One is obstruction, where urine is physically prevented from draining out of the kidney. The obstruction, or blockage, can occur at any point in the urinary system from the kidney down to the urethra. The second is reflux, in which urine flows back up into the kidney.