CRANIOCLAST Meaning and
Definition
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A cranioclast refers to a specialized medical instrument or device employed in obstetrics and gynecology to perform an invasive procedure called craniotomy. Derived from the Greek words "cranium" meaning skull, and "klastos" meaning to break, a cranioclast is specifically designed to assist in the artificial crushing or disintegration of the fetal skull during difficult deliveries.
The cranioclast typically comprises of two articulated arms or jaws, with each arm featuring serrated, sharp-edged claws that are fixated around the infant's skull. Careful maneuvering and calibrated compression exerted by the operator enable controlled fracturing of the cranial bones, thereby facilitating the extraction of the fetus through the birth canal. By utilizing this instrument, medical professionals aim to minimize maternal trauma and reduce the risk of severe maternal and neonatal complications associated with prolonged or obstructed labor.
Cranioclasm procedures are considered a last resort in cases of obstructed labor where other measures like cesarean section or vacuum extraction have failed or are contraindicated. This technique necessitates considerable expertise and precise judgment in order to avoid potential maternal or fetal injuries. Therefore, cranioclasts are strictly regulated, and their application is restricted to highly trained medical professionals familiar with the associated risks, benefits, and proper usage protocols.
Though a cranioclast is an invasive instrument with potentially significant implications, its use in rare and specific medical scenarios has undoubtedly saved lives and helped prevent further complications during challenging childbirth situations.
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An instrument like a strong forceps used for crushing and extracting the fetal head after perforation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRANIOCLAST
- cranioclas
- cranioclasm
- xranioclast
- vranioclast
- franioclast
- dranioclast
- ceanioclast
- cdanioclast
- cfanioclast
- ctanioclast
- c5anioclast
- c4anioclast
- crznioclast
- crsnioclast
- crwnioclast
- crqnioclast
- crabioclast
- cramioclast
- crajioclast
- crahioclast
Etymology of CRANIOCLAST
The word "cranioclast" is derived from two Greek roots: "cranio-" meaning "skull" and "clast" meaning "break" or "destroy". The term is often used in medical terminology to refer to an instrument or device used for breaking or fracturing the bones of the cranium during surgery or dissection.
