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capsulotomy

capsulotomy

8.9
A surgery that cuts the tight tissue around a joint to help the joint move better
  • noun
  • /ˌkæp.səˈlɑː.tə.mi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : capsulotomía
  • During the operation, the surgeon performed a capsulotomy to release the tight joint capsule.

Examples

  • The patient regained shoulder mobility after undergoing a capsulotomy to treat his frozen shoulder.

  • A capsulotomy may be recommended when less invasive treatments fail to relieve joint stiffness.

  • The doctor performed a capsulotomy to relieve her joint pain.

  • After the capsulotomy, he noticed significant improvement in mobility.

  • The patient regained shoulder mobility after undergoing a capsulotomy to treat his frozen shoulder.

  • A capsulotomy may be recommended when less invasive treatments fail to relieve joint stiffness.

  • During the operation, the surgeon performed a capsulotomy to release the tight joint capsule.

Surface Forms

capsulotomy singular
capsulotomies plural

Morphology

capsulotomy = capsule (semi-transparent) = capsul + otomy

Morphologically 'capsule' + '-otomy' denotes cutting a capsule, but the use is clinical (joint/organ capsule) and therefore somewhat specialized for learners.

Etymology

Capsulotomy comes from capsule ('small sac' or 'case') and -tomy ('to cut'), so it literally means 'cutting the capsule'. For joints, a capsulotomy is the operation to cut the tight capsule around a joint so the person can move more easily.