Court Procedures

A long anatomical noun referring to a major neck muscle that runs from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process behind the ear. It flexes and rotates the head and is commonly discussed in medical, anatomy, and fitness contexts. Its pronunciation is challenging due to its multiple syllables and precise consonant clustering.

Sternotomy is a surgical procedure involving a vertical incision through the sternum (breastbone) to provide access to the thoracic cavity, commonly used in cardiac surgery. The term can also refer to the incision itself. It denotes a controlled, midline bone division essential for opening the chest safely and is followed by stabilization as healing progresses.

Synovectomy is a medical procedure involving the surgical removal of inflamed or diseased synovial membrane lining a joint. It is performed to reduce pain and improve mobility in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or transient synovitis. The term combines Greek roots for joint lining and excision, and is used primarily in clinical settings and surgical reports.

Tenolysis is a medical procedure that releases a tendon to restore mobility, typically performed to relieve contractures or adhesions. The term combines the Greek root tendin- with -lysis, indicating separation or dissolution, and is used in specialized surgical contexts. The pronunciation is distinct from everyday words and is often encountered in clinical literature and case reports.

Tenorrhaphy is a surgical procedure involving the suturing or stitching of a tendon to repair a torn or damaged tendon. It is a specialized term used in medical contexts, especially orthopedics and hand surgery. The word denotes a precise, technical process and is typically discussed in clinical or academic settings rather than everyday conversation.

Thoracentesis is a medical procedure in which fluid is removed from the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall using a needle or catheter. It is performed to diagnose or relieve pleural effusion or infection. The term emphasizes chest (thorax) puncture and fluid withdrawal, and it is used in clinical contexts, research, and documentation.

A medical term describing the region encompassing both the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. The word combines two Greek-derived elements referring to the chest and abdomen, used especially in anatomy and surgery. It typically functions as a compound adjective or noun in professional medical contexts.

Thoracoplasty is a surgical procedure in which portions of the ribs are removed or reshaped to collapse a portion of the chest wall, often to treat persistent chest infections or to accommodate chest wall deformities. The term combines thoraco- (chest) with -plasty (molding or shaping). It is a specialized, technically demanding medical term used in medical discourse and surgical literature.

Thoracostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the chest wall to drain air or fluid from the pleural space. It involves inserting a tube to relieve pressure and re-expand the lung. The term combines thoraco- (chest) with -stomy (mouth, opening) and is used in medical contexts requiring precise, sterile technique.

Thoracotomy is a surgical procedure involving the opening of the chest wall to access the thoracic organs, typically the lungs or heart. It is a major operation requiring anesthesia and postoperative care, with incisions carefully planned to minimize damage to muscles and nerves. The term combines Greek roots for chest (thorax) and cut (tomy).

A tonsillectomy is a medical procedure to remove the tonsils, typically performed to treat recurrent tonsillitis or obstructive sleep issues. It involves surgical excision of the palatine tonsils, usually under anesthesia, and may require recovery time with brief throat discomfort. The term is used across clinical contexts and allied health discussions, including ENT notes and patient education.

Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure to treat glaucoma by creating a drainage pathway for intraocular fluid, lowering eye pressure. The term refers to the procedure itself and is used in ophthalmology literature and clinical discussions. It combines a surgical root with the -ectomy suffix, indicating removal or excision. The word is specialized and typically encountered in medical contexts and academic writing.

A medical noun referring to a surgical opening created in the trachea to provide an airway. The term combines

transsphenoidal refers to a surgical approach through the sphenoid sinus to access the pituitary region, commonly used for pituitary tumors. It’s a complex, multisyllabic term that combines anatomical roots with Greek-derived descriptors; it’s mostly used in medical contexts and spoken by specialists, surgeons, and students. The pronunciation is challenging due to consecutive consonant clusters and a long, tertiary-stressed sequence.

A surgical procedure to repair or reconstruct the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and middle ear structures, typically performed to restore hearing after perforation or disease. The term combines the Greek tympan- (eardrum) with -plasty (surgical molding or repair), indicating a reconstructive otologic operation. The process may involve grafts, cartilage, or other materials to re-establish sound conduction.

Tympanostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a small opening in the eardrum to relieve pressure or drain fluid, often by inserting a tiny tube. It’s used to treat chronic otitis media and other middle-ear conditions. The term combines ear anatomy with a surgical suffix, signaling a targeted, minimally invasive intervention.

A surgical procedure to remove a stone from the ureter by incising the ureter, allowing access to the stone and its extraction. The operation targets ureteral calculi and is performed under general anesthesia, typically requiring precise voiding and reconnection of the ureteral walls. It combines urology and stone-removal techniques to restore unobstructed urine flow.

Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure to repair or widen the urethra, typically addressing strictures. The term combines urethro- indicating the urethra and -plasty meaning a surgical molding or repair. It is a specialized medical term used in urology and surgical contexts, often encountered in clinical notes and practice guidelines.

Valvotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in a heart valve to relieve obstruction or restore leaflet function. It is typically performed to widen a stenotic valve or repair valve apparatus, improving blood flow. The term combines Latin roots referring to valves and cutting. The word is used mainly in medical contexts and among trained professionals.