What procedure is referred to by the term osteoclasis?

The term osteoclasis specifically refers to the intentional breaking or fracturing of a bone to correct a deformity, making the choice about the correction of deformity by fracturing a bone the correct answer. This procedure is typically performed to realign a bone that has healed improperly or to treat certain types of bone deformities. By inducing a fracture, the bone can be repositioned and allowed to heal properly, often using various devices or techniques to ensure proper alignment during the healing process.

The other options describe different surgical procedures or diagnostic methods unrelated to osteoclasis. The surgical fixation of joints refers to procedures that stabilize joints but do not involve fracturing bones. Measuring bone density is a diagnostic procedure used to assess bone health and risk of osteoporosis, which also does not involve the breaking of bones. Lastly, the replacement of a joint involves entirely replacing a damaged joint with a prosthesis and does not include fracturing bones for corrective purposes.