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Osteotomy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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osteotomy

[ˌɒstiˈɒtəmi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical procedure

Osteotomy is a surgical operation in which a bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or change its alignment. It is commonly used to correct deformities or to relieve pressure on joints.

Synonyms

bone cutting, bone realignment, bone surgery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
osteotomy

A medical or surgical term used by healthcare professionals to specify the precise cutting of bone to correct its alignment, often due to conditions like arthritis, deformities, or fractures.

  • The doctor recommended an osteotomy to correct the patient's bowed leg
bone surgery

A broad term that can be used to refer to any surgical procedure involving bones. This may include osteotomies but also covers a wider range of bone-related surgeries.

  • She needed bone surgery to repair the damage from the accident
bone cutting

A more general term that may be used by both medical professionals and laypeople to describe the act of cutting bone. It is often used in a non-technical context or when explaining procedures in simple terms.

  • The surgeon explained that bone cutting would be necessary to fix the fracture
bone realignment

This term is often used to describe the goal of the procedure rather than the procedure itself, focusing on the correction of bone position. It is suitable for explaining the outcome in patient-friendly language.

  • After the bone realignment, the patient's walking improved significantly

Examples of usage

  • The patient underwent an osteotomy to correct the alignment of the bone.
  • After the osteotomy, the patient experienced improved mobility and reduced pain.
  • The orthopedic surgeon performed an osteotomy on the patient's femur.
  • The osteotomy procedure was successful in correcting the leg deformity.
  • Recovery from an osteotomy may require physical therapy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Applications

  • Commonly used to treat conditions like osteoarthritis or to correct bone deformities.
  • Can involve various bones, including the femur, tibia, or pelvis, depending on the condition being treated.
  • Sometimes combined with other procedures, such as joint replacement, to enhance recovery.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have various historical approaches to healing bones, with some using herbal remedies before surgical techniques became standard.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, bone setting was recognized long before modern osteotomy.
  • Modern practices have evolved with technology, making surgeries safer and recovery faster compared to earlier methods.

Technological Advances

  • New imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans have improved the precision of osteotomy surgeries.
  • Robotic-assisted surgery is being adopted to enhance accuracy during osteotomies.
  • 3D printing technology is now being explored to create custom surgical guides for more personalized care.

Post-Surgery Recovery

  • Recovery from an osteotomy often requires physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
  • Patients usually face a lengthy rehabilitation period, which can vary based on the complexity of the surgery.
  • Following the surgery, regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are important to monitor healing.

Origin of 'osteotomy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from Greek, where 'osteon' means 'bone' and 'tomia' means 'to cut'.
  • The term has been used in medical literature since the early 19th century.
  • Osteotomy is part of a broader field known as orthopedic surgery, which focuses on bones and joints.

The term 'osteotomy' originates from the Greek words 'osteo' meaning bone and 'tomia' meaning cutting. The concept of osteotomy has been present in medical practice for centuries, evolving over time with advancements in surgical techniques and technology. Today, osteotomy is a common procedure used in orthopedic surgery to address various bone deformities and alignment issues.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,743, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.