Which term means repair of the joint?

• A. Arthrocentesis
• B. Arthrodesis
• C. Arthrography
• D. Arthroplasty

Answer: (D)

Understanding joint-related medical terms helps you see what each procedure aims to do. The suffix -plasty signals surgical repair or reconstruction. When this comes after arthro-, which means joint, arthroplasty refers to surgically repairing or replacing a joint to restore function. That makes it the best match for “repair of the joint.”

Arthrocentesis involves puncturing the joint to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons, not repairing the joint. Arthrodesis means fusing the joint so it becomes a single bone and loses movement, which is a stabilization procedure rather than repair. Arthrography is an imaging test of a joint, using contrast to visualize internal structures, not a repair. So arthroplasty is the term that aligns with repairing or replacing a damaged joint.