Ankylotome

/ˈæŋkɪloʊtoʊm/ noun

Definition

A surgical instrument designed to cut or separate stiff or fused joints, used in orthopedic surgery to restore mobility.

Etymology

From Greek 'ankylo-' (stiff) combined with '-tome' (from 'tome', a cutting tool, Greek 'temnein'). Describes a specialized surgical knife.

Kelly Says

This delicate surgical knife is like an orthopedic sculptor's chisel—surgeons use it to carefully separate joints that have fused from arthritis or injury, working with millimeter precision to avoid damaging nerves and blood vessels.

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