TREPHINING Meaning and
Definition
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Trephining, also spelled trepanning, is a medical procedure involving the removal of a circular section of bone from the skull. It is an ancient surgical technique that dates back thousands of years and has been practiced by various civilizations throughout history. The word "trephining" is derived from the Greek words "trephine" meaning "a saw for cutting out a disk of bone" and "trepein" meaning "to bore" or "to turn."
Trephining is performed using a specialized instrument called a trephine, which consists of a cylindrical saw blade with a center pin. The surgeon carefully selects a specific location on the skull and makes an incision through the scalp to expose the underlying bone. The trephine is then positioned and rotated by the surgeon to create a circular groove, gradually cutting into the bone until it forms a complete circle. This circular section of bone, known as a trephine disk, is removed, allowing access to the brain or relieving intracranial pressure.
Historically, trephining was employed to treat various medical conditions, including head injuries, skull fractures, epilepsy, mental illnesses, and even demonic possession in some cultures. Though its effectiveness is highly debated, trephination was believed to release evil spirits, alleviate pressure, and facilitate healing. While the procedure was often performed during prehistoric times using crude tools, modern trephining is carried out using sterile techniques and under controlled surgical conditions.
Due to advancements in medical technology and alternative treatments, trephining is now considered an obsolete procedure and is rarely performed. It has been replaced by more sophisticated surgical interventions and non-invasive diagnostic methods.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TREPHINING
- trepining
- Trepenning
- rrephining
- frephining
- grephining
- yrephining
- 6rephining
- 5rephining
- teephining
- tdephining
- tfephining
- ttephining
- t5ephining
- t4ephining
- trwphining
- trsphining
- trdphining
- trrphining
- tr4phining
- tr3phining
Etymology of TREPHINING
The word "trephining" derives from the combining form "trephine" which comes from the French word "tréphine". The French word itself is derived from the Greek word "trypanon" meaning "a borer or auger". The term "trephine" refers to a surgical instrument used to perform a trepanation, a procedure involving drilling or cutting a hole in the skull. The etymology ultimately traces back to the Greek roots "trypanon" (boring) and "trepō" (to turn or drill).
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