Orthopaedics · Musculoskeletal System · Hard
Fasciotomy
Meaning: Surgical incision of the tough membrane enclosing a muscle compartment to relieve raised pressure.
In practice: Athletes with chronic exertional compartment syndrome often get a quicker, lasting result with this operation.
Word parts
- -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: Fibrous joint where bones are bound by ligament and interosseous membrane, allowing little movement.
Answer: Syndesmosis
Which word means: A crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee that cushions the joint.
Answer: Meniscus
Words like fasciotomy come up in the daily game
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