Which process is used to increase the range of motion by breaking an abnormally stiff joint?

The process used to increase the range of motion by breaking an abnormally stiff joint is known as arthroclasia. This medical procedure involves forcefully breaking the adhesions and contractures in a joint that have resulted in stiffness, thereby increasing its mobility. It is often performed under anesthesia, allowing for controlled manipulation of the joint to restore a more normal range of motion.

Arthrotomy refers to a surgical procedure that involves making an incision into a joint to allow for examination or treatment but does not specifically focus on breaking stiffness. Arthroplasty is a broader term for surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint, which may involve the use of artificial components but does not specifically target stiffness in the same way. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a camera and instruments inserted into the joint to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions, but it typically does not involve forcibly breaking the joint for stiffness relief. Thus, the key focus on breaking the stiffness directly aligns with the definition of arthroclasia.