PERIOSTEUM ELEVATOR Meaning and
Definition
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A periosteum elevator is a specialized surgical instrument used by orthopedic and dental professionals during various procedures. It is specifically designed to detach and lift the periosteum, which is a thin layer of connective tissue that covers the outer surface of bones. The instrument's main purpose is to separate the periosteum from the underlying bone without causing damage or trauma to either.
Typically made of stainless steel, a periosteum elevator consists of a handle, a shaft, and a curved or flat blade at the working end. The blade is usually sharp and tapered, allowing it to easily slide between the periosteum and bone, gently lifting the tissue without tearing or cutting it.
Orthopedic surgeons commonly employ periosteum elevators in procedures such as bone grafting, internal fixation of fractures, or other surgeries that require the manipulation of the periosteum. Dental professionals also use this instrument during oral surgeries, such as dental implant placement or tooth extraction.
The periosteum elevator's design allows precise and controlled dissection of the periosteum, thereby minimizing the potential for complications like bleeding or infection. This instrument plays a crucial role in ensuring proper healing and regrowth of bone tissue by preserving the periosteum's nutrient-rich blood supply and promoting the formation of new bone cells.
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A flattened bar of steel with narrow, but dull, ends; used to pry away the attachments of the periosteum to bone, when it is desired to preserve the former for plastic purposes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PERIOSTEUM ELEVATOR
Etymology of PERIOSTEUM ELEVATOR
The term "periosteum elevator" is a compound word derived from two different components: "periosteum" and "elevator".
1. Periosteum: The term "periosteum" is derived from the Greek words "peri" meaning "around" and "osteum" meaning "bone". It refers to a dense fibrous membrane that covers the outer surfaces of bones. The word was first used in the 17th century.
2. Elevator: The word "elevator" has Latin roots from the verb "elevare", meaning "to lift up" or "to raise". It was originally used in the 16th century to refer to a mechanical device that raises or lifts things.
