arthrectomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (Medical/Surgical)
Quick answer
What does “arthrectomy” mean?
A surgical operation to remove part or all of a joint.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical operation to remove part or all of a joint.
Specifically, the excision of a joint or a segment of a joint, often performed to treat severe arthritis, trauma, infection, or joint destruction that is unresponsive to other treatments. The procedure may be partial or total, potentially followed by joint fusion (arthrodesis) or replacement (arthroplasty).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both the UK and US medical communities.
Grammar
How to Use “arthrectomy” in a Sentence
to perform an arthrectomy on [joint/patient][joint] required an arthrectomyarthrectomy was performed for [condition]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arthrectomy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon decided to arthrectomise the affected joint.
- They plan to arthrectomise the metatarsophalangeal joint.
American English
- The surgeon decided to arthrectomize the affected joint.
- They plan to arthrectomize the metatarsophalangeal joint.
adjective
British English
- The arthrectomy patient recovered well.
- We reviewed the arthrectomy procedure.
American English
- The arthrectomy patient recovered well.
- We reviewed the arthrectomy procedure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively in medical, anatomical, or surgical textbooks, journals, and case reports.
Everyday
Virtually never used in general conversation.
Technical
Primary domain: orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, operative reports, medical imaging reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arthrectomy”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arthrectomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arthrectomy”
- Mispronunciation: /ɑːrˈθrektəmi/ (incorrect stress on 'rec').
- Misspelling: 'arthrectomy', 'arthrectomie'.
- Using it as a general term for any joint surgery.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a relatively uncommon and highly specialized procedure, typically considered only after other treatments have failed for severe joint conditions.
Arthrectomy is the removal of a joint or joint segment, aiming to preserve the limb itself. Amputation involves the removal of the entire limb or a significant part of it.
Arthrectomy is the excision (cutting out) of a joint. Arthroplasty is the surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint, often performed after or instead of an arthrectomy.
Function after an arthrectomy depends heavily on the joint involved, the extent of removal, and any follow-up procedures like fusion or replacement. It often significantly alters joint mobility and requires extensive rehabilitation.
A surgical operation to remove part or all of a joint.
Arthrectomy is usually technical (medical/surgical) in register.
Arthrectomy: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːˈθrɛktəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑːrˈθrɛktəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ARTHRitis bothers the joint, an -ECTOMY cuts it out.' ARTHR (joint) + ECTOMY (cutting out).
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICAL PROCEDURES ARE MECHANICAL REPAIRS (removing a damaged component).
Practice
Quiz
What is an 'arthrectomy'?