Chondrotomy (/kɒnˈdrɒtəmi/) is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure involving the incision and removal of cartilage. The word's spelling is a combination of the Greek roots chondro-, meaning "cartilage," and -tomy, meaning "cutting." The pronunciation of the word is broken down as "kahn-droh-toh-mee," with the "ch" sound pronounced like a "k" and the "o" being short. Knowing how words like chondrotomy are spelled and pronounced can help medical professionals communicate clearly and effectively with their peers and patients.
Chondrotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the incision or cutting of cartilage. It is derived from the Greek words "chondros" meaning cartilage and "tome" meaning incision. It is typically performed to access and treat various abnormalities or conditions affecting the cartilage, particularly in orthopedic or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeries.
In orthopedics, chondrotomy is commonly used in joint surgeries to repair or remove damaged or diseased cartilage. This procedure is commonly performed on the knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle joints. It allows surgeons to access the cartilage, repair tears or lesions, remove loose fragments, or stimulate the growth of new cartilage cells through techniques like microfracture.
In ENT surgeries, chondrotomy may be used to access and treat conditions affecting the nose or ear. For instance, it can be performed in rhinoplasty procedures to reshape or repair cartilage deformities in the nose. In ear surgeries, it may involve incisions in the cartilage of the outer ear to correct deformities like prominent ears or to access the inner ear for specific treatments.
Chondrotomy is typically performed by highly trained surgeons using specialized instruments, such as scalpels or laser devices. The procedure may involve open surgery with a larger incision or minimally invasive techniques with small incisions and the use of arthroscopes or endoscopes. Proper post-operative care and rehabilitation are crucial for optimal recovery and outcomes.
1. The branch of anatomy treating of the cartilages. 2. Division of a cartilage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "chondrotomy" is derived from two Greek roots: "chondro" meaning "cartilage" and "tomy" meaning "cutting" or "incision". Overall, "chondrotomy" refers to a surgical procedure involving the cutting or incision of cartilage.