HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is osteoplasty?

1. The process of joint replacement

2. Surgical modification of a bone

3. A technique for bone analysis

4. A non-surgical method for healing fractures

The correct answer is: Surgical modification of a bone

Osteoplasty refers specifically to the surgical modification of a bone. This procedure involves reshaping, repositioning, or reconstructing bone structures to correct deformities, restore function, or enhance aesthetic appearance. Osteoplasty can be performed in various contexts, such as repairing bone defects due to trauma, disease, or congenital issues. The aim of this surgical technique generally includes improving the alignment and integrity of the skeletal framework, which is crucial in dental and orthopedic practices. In contrast, the other options pertain to different medical contexts. Joint replacement involves completely replacing a damaged joint with a prosthesis, which is not the same as modifying a bone. A technique for bone analysis involves diagnostic methods to assess bone condition, rather than a surgical procedure. Finally, a non-surgical method for healing fractures emphasizes conservative treatment approaches, unlike osteoplasty, which is inherently a surgical intervention. Thus, the focus on surgical modification is what accurately defines osteoplasty.