What type of surgical procedure is an osteotomy?

An osteotomy is defined as a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bone to correct its alignment. This type of surgery is commonly performed to relieve pressure on joints, improve function, or correct deformities. By changing the orientation of the bone, an osteotomy can enhance the joint's mechanics, providing better load distribution and potentially alleviating pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis.

In contrast, other surgical options listed are distinct procedures that serve different purposes. For instance, the first choice pertains to a procedure that involves the removal of necrosed (dead) bone, which is not the purpose of an osteotomy. The third option describes a surgical incision made into a joint, which is typically performed in joint-related surgeries, not specifically in the context of osteotomies. The final option refers to a bone fusion, which involves joining two or more bones together, rather than altering their alignment. Each of these alternatives highlights different surgical techniques and their respective goals, with only the second option accurately capturing the essence of what an osteotomy entails.