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Glite Dictionary
⛔ Stopping movement 🦴 Keeping still
immobilization

immobilization

6.7
To keep a body part still with a cast or splint so it heals
  • noun
  • /ɪˌmoʊbɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : inmovilización
  • After a fracture, the doctor recommended immobilization of the arm in a cast to aid healing.
  • cervical immobilization
  • rehabilitation following immobilization
  • immobilization (casting)

Examples

  • There are adverse effects associated with the immobilization of the knee after ACL reconstruction.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Most pediatric tibia fractures can be managed nonoperatively with reduction and immobilization techniques (see Figure 14).

    Academic text (2006)

  • All patients were treated with closed reduction and plaster cast immobilization for 6 to 7 weeks.

    Academic text (2017)

  • Twenty years ago, rehabilitation included immobilization of the leg for 6 weeks or longer after an ACL injury.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The growth plate and periosteum allow for faster healing and shorter immobilization times.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Traditional treatment for patients with shoulder instability has included immobilization, rehabilitation, and gradual return to activities.

    Academic text (2003)

  • If there is no displacement, the fracture can usually be treated with immobilization in a long-leg cast.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Most fractures of the distal tibia/fibula require immobilization for 6-8 weeks.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Atraumatic shoulder instability is currently being treated appropriately with immobilization, rehabilitation, and a gradual return to vigorous activities.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Rowe (1956) retrospectively evaluated the effect immobilization had on recurrent dislocations.

    Academic text (2003)

Synonyms

immobility
vsimmobilization
4 6.3

A state of no movement or not being able to move

refers to the act of preventing motion to aid healing, not the static state
splinting
vsimmobilization
  • Specialized
1 4.0

Putting a firm support on a hurt body part to keep it still

is broader, covering any method to prevent limb movement for proper healing
splintage
vsimmobilization
  • Specialized
8.2

Using a firm support to hold an injured arm or leg still so it can heal

focuses on the act of stopping motion generally, not only the support's application
immobilizing
vsimmobilization
6.1

An action that stops a person or thing from moving

is medical and specific to body parts and healing rather than general prevention

Antonyms

to release
∞ 1.8

To let someone or something go free from being held

How Immobilized

fixation
2 6.0
immobilization
  • Specialized
6.7
stabilization
  • US
28 3.9
to support
240 1.0

Surface Forms

immobilization singular
immobilizations plural

Morphology

immobilization = immobilize (transparent) = im + mobile + ize + ation

Formed by adding '-ation' to the verb 'immobilize' (itself im- + mobile + -ize), producing a noun meaning the act or process of making immobile.

Etymology

Immobilization comes from the Latin parts in- 'not' and mobilis 'movable', the same root you see in mobile. In medicine, immobilization means keeping a limb very still with a cast or splint so a bone can heal in the right place.