Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
osteotomy
Surgical cutting of bone to correct deformities or improve access during procedures.
Full Definition
A surgical procedure involving the deliberate cutting or sectioning of bone to correct skeletal deformities, improve surgical access, or reposition bone segments. In oral and maxillofacial surgery, osteotomies are commonly performed during orthognathic surgery to correct jaw discrepancies, during implant site preparation, or to access impacted teeth. The procedure requires precise planning and may involve internal fixation for healing.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from ostectomy (bone removal) and osteoplasty (bone reshaping).
In Context
- "A sagittal split osteotomy was performed to advance the mandible." — Orthognathic surgery report
- "Piezoelectric osteotomy ensured precise bone cutting with minimal soft tissue damage." — Implant surgery documentation
Also known as
bone cutting
Don't confuse with
ostectomy
osteoplasty