Identify the term for a surgical procedure that restores joint function.

• A. Arthrodesis
• B. Arthoplasty
• C. Arthroplasty
• D. Arthroscopy

Answer: (B)

In orthopedics, the term for a surgical procedure that restores joint function is arthroplasty. The word combines arthro- meaning joint with -plasty meaning a surgical repair or reconstruction, indicating a procedure that rebuilds or replaces a joint to regain motion and function. This can include joint replacement or resurfacing to restore how the joint moves after damage from arthritis, injury, or deformity.

Arthrodesis, by contrast, fuses the joint to eliminate motion, which stabilizes but does not restore function. Arthroscopy is a scope-based procedure used to diagnose or treat within the joint, not specifically about restoring joint function. A variant spelling sometimes seen is arthoplasty, but the standard term for restoring joint function is arthroplasty.