Osteoclasis

Osteoclasis is a term derived from Greek words meaning "bone" and "breaking." In a medical context, it refers to the surgical procedure of deliberately fracturing a bone. This intervention is typically performed to correct deformities or malalignments that cannot be addressed through other means. The primary goal of osteoclasis is to create a controlled break in the bone, allowing it to be repositioned into a more anatomically correct alignment.

The procedure is most commonly employed in the correction of congenital or acquired deformities, such as severe clubfoot, significant bowing of long bones in children, or post-traumatic deformities. It can also be used in cases of non-union of fractures where the bone has healed improperly. Before performing osteoclasis, detailed imaging, such as X-rays, is used to plan the precise location and angle of the intended fracture.

The osteoclasis itself can be achieved using various instruments, including osteotomes, chisels, or specialized osteoclasis devices. After the bone is fractured, the limb is manipulated to correct the deformity. The repositioned bone is then typically stabilized using internal fixation devices like plates, screws, or rods, or sometimes external fixation, to maintain the corrected alignment during healing. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial components of the recovery process following osteoclasis to restore function and strength to the affected limb.