American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Academy of Professional Coders exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your coding skills and knowledge. Ideal for aspiring medical coders looking to succeed in the certification process.

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What is the procedure called for surgical fixation of a joint?

  1. Arthralgia

  2. Arthrodesis

  3. Arthritis

  4. Arthropathy

The correct answer is: Arthrodesis

The procedure of surgical fixation of a joint is known as arthrodesis. This surgical technique involves fusing the bones at a joint, effectively eliminating movement in that particular joint to alleviate pain, restore stability, or address other pathologies. It is commonly performed for various conditions, including severe arthritis or joint injuries, to improve patient quality of life by reducing pain and enhancing function. Arthralgia refers to joint pain without inflammation, which does not describe a surgical procedure. Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints and is a condition rather than a surgical technique. Arthropathy is a general term for joint diseases and does not specifically refer to surgical intervention either. Thus, arthrodesis stands out as the correct answer, as it explicitly denotes the surgical process aimed at achieving joint fixation.