Etymed
capsulotomy
Definition
surgical incision of a capsule or capsule-like structure
Clinical context
A 65-year-old woman presents with severe pain and limited range of motion in her right shoulder following a motor vehicle accident. Imaging reveals a fibrotic capsule formation around the shoulder joint. The orthopedic surgeon performs a capsulotomy to release the contracted capsule and restore normal joint mobility. The patient's shoulder function improves significantly post-operatively.
Mnemonic
CAPSULOTOMY: 'Cap' for capsule, 'Sulo' for surgical, 'Tomy' for incision - all parts of the capsule are cut surgically