Astragalectomy

/ˌæstrəɡəˈlɛktəmi/ noun

Definition

A surgical procedure in which the astragalus bone (talus) of the ankle is partially or completely removed.

Etymology

From astragalus (ankle bone) plus Greek -ektomy (excision or removal), creating a medical term for the surgical removal of this bone.

Kelly Says

This surgery is rare today because removing the main weight-bearing bone of your ankle creates severe disability—modern medicine usually tries to repair rather than remove the astragalus.

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