CALF VS CUFF

CALF/CUFF

Often times, I have come across this confusion of spelling.  I will just try to explain the way I remember these two different spellings with different meaning but same pronunciation.

CUFF:  In orthopedics files, by this the doctor generally means the rotator cuff of the shoulders, Upper extremities.

CALF:  This spelling refers to the calf muscles of the Legs.

BOTTOM LINE

CUFF:  The U denotes upper extremities.  Therefore Cuff means the rotator cuff muscles of the Upper extremities.

CALF:  The L denotes the Legs.  Therefore, calf means the calf muscles of the Legs.