The word "coccygotomy" is spelled with a combination of phonemes that require careful attention. The first part of the word is pronounced as "kɑk", followed by "si-ɡəʊ" and ending with "təmi". The term refers to the surgical removal of the coccyx or tailbone. Due to its complex spelling, this word can be challenging for individuals to spell and pronounce correctly. It requires an understanding of the pronunciation of each phoneme and their sequence.
Coccygotomy is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure involving the removal of the coccyx, which is the small triangular bone located at the base of the vertebral column in humans. The coccyx, also commonly known as the tailbone, consists of three to five fused bones and serves as an attachment site for various muscles and ligaments.
The procedure of coccygotomy is typically performed in cases where the patient experiences severe and persistent pain or discomfort in the coccyx region. The pain can be caused by various conditions such as injury, trauma, or cysts in the area. Coccygotomy is often considered as a last resort when conservative treatments such as pain medications, physical therapy, or supportive devices do not provide adequate relief.
During the procedure, the patient is placed under anesthesia, and an incision is made in the skin over the coccyx to gain access to the bone. Special instruments are then used to carefully remove the coccyx, taking care to avoid damage to surrounding structures such as nerves and blood vessels. The incision is then closed with sutures or staples, and the patient is typically provided with postoperative instructions to ensure proper healing and pain management.
Coccygotomy is a relatively uncommon surgical procedure, generally reserved for individuals with significant and persistent coccyx pain that significantly impairs their quality of life despite other treatment approaches. A consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is necessary to determine if coccygotomy is appropriate and to discuss alternative treatment options if deemed necessary.
Operation for freeing the coccyx from its attachments.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "coccygotomy" is derived from combining two roots: "coccyx" and "tomy".
1. "Coccyx": This term refers to the small triangular bone at the base of the spine, also known as the tailbone. The word "coccyx" comes from the Greek word "kokkyx", meaning cuckoo, due to its resemblance to the beak of a cuckoo bird.
2. "Tomy": This root is derived from the Greek word "tomḗ", which means "a cutting". It is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a surgical incision or cutting procedure.
Therefore, by combining the terms "coccyx" and "tomy", the word "coccygotomy" specifically refers to a surgical procedure involving the cutting or incision of the coccyx.