The repair and reconstruction of the joint is called?

AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Arthroplasty is the specific medical term for the surgical repair, reconstruction, or replacement of a joint.
The suffix '-plasty' in medical terminology refers to molding, shaping, or surgical reconstruction.
The primary goals of arthroplasty are to alleviate pain and restore function and mobility to a joint affected by disease (like arthritis) or trauma.
Common examples include total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR), where damaged joint surfaces are replaced with prosthetic components.

Option A: Arthrodesis involves the surgical fusion of a joint to eliminate movement, not repair it for motion. The suffix '-desis' means 'to bind or fuse'.
Option B: Arthrotomy is the surgical incision into a joint. It is a step to gain access to the joint but is not the reconstructive procedure itself. The suffix '-tomy' means 'to cut'.
Option D: Amputation is the surgical removal of a limb or body part. It is not a procedure to repair or reconstruct a joint.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration comparing a healthy knee joint, a knee with osteoarthritis, and a knee after total arthroplasty, showing the prosthetic components. This helps visualize the 'reconstruction' aspect.
Visual 2: Table - A comparative table defining the suffixes '-plasty', '-desis', '-tomy', and '-ectomy' with examples for each to clarify surgical terminology.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Surgical Terminology for Joint Procedures as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Post-arthroplasty nursing care is crucial and focuses on pain management, preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and infection, and promoting early mobilization to ensure optimal recovery.
Nurses play a key role in patient education, teaching patients about hip precautions (for hip arthroplasty) to prevent dislocation, weight-bearing status, and the rehabilitation process.
What if the patient had severe, uncontrolled infection in the joint? In that case, arthroplasty would be contraindicated. The immediate procedure might be an arthrotomy for washout and drainage, followed by long-term antibiotics. Arthroplasty could only be considered much later, if at all.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'repair' and 'reconstruction' of a 'joint'.
Next, analyze the options by breaking down the medical terminology. Recognize that 'Arthro-' is the prefix for 'joint'.
Focus on the suffixes: '-desis' (fusion), '-tomy' (incision), '-plasty' (reconstruction), and 'Amputation' (removal).
Match the action described in the question ('repair and reconstruction') with the correct suffix. '-plasty' directly corresponds to this action.
Therefore, 'Arthroplasty' is the logical answer for joint reconstruction.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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