Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 2 The Skeletal System 49
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 2 The Skeletal System 49
Surgical Procedures and Therapeutics
Once a pathological condition has been diagnosed, a treatment can be
planned and implemented. For instance, when an X-ray shows a simple
fracture of the wrist, the treatment of choice may be a closed reduction
and internal fi xation (CRIF). This procedure involves manual manipula-
tion of the fracture to set the bones in proper alignment without surgical
intervention.
Following is a list of common surgical and noninvasive treatments for
diseases and conditions of the skeletal system.
Treatment Defi nition
amputation Removal of a limb, usually surgical;
for example, above-the-knee
amputation.
arthrocentesis
AR-throh-sen-TEE-sis
arthr/o = joint
-centesis = surgical puncture to
remove fl uid
Surgical puncture of the joint
space with a needle to remove
accumulated fl uid (Figure 2.33).
arthrodesis
AR-throh-DEE-sis
arthr/o = joint
-desis = to bind; tie together
Surgical immobilization of a joint.
arthroplasty
AR-throh-PLAS-tee
arthr/o = joint
-plasty = surgical repair
Surgical repair of a joint.
bone grafting Process of transplanting and
implanting tissue from one part of
the body to another; used to repair
a defect or injury.
bursectomy
bur-SEK-tuh-mee
burs/o = bursa
-ectomy = surgical removal;
excision
Surgical removal of the bursa.
closed reduction and internal
fi xation (CRIF)
External manipulation to restore a
fractured bone to normal position.
cast Solid mold of a body part; used to
immobilize fractures or dislocations.
splint An appliance made of bone, wood,
metal, or plaster of Paris; used for
fi xation of an injured body part.
traction Application of a pulling force to
align a dislocated part of the body.
Figure 2.33 Arthrocentesis.
Femur
Needle
Synovial
membrane
Cartilage
Tibia