Orthopaedics · Skeletal System · Hard
Arthrotomy
Meaning: A surgical incision into a joint to explore, drain or repair it.
In practice: An urgent arthrotomy and washout was performed for the septic knee.
Word parts
- arthro- means joint
- -otomy means cutting into
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related orthopaedics words.
Which word means: An artificial device that replaces a missing or damaged body part, such as a limb or joint.
Answer: Prosthesis
Which word means: A band of connective tissue surrounding and separating muscles.
Answer: Fascia
Words like arthrotomy come up in the daily game
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