What is the term for a surgical incision into the connective tissue sheath surrounding a muscle, known as the fascia?

The term for a surgical incision into the connective tissue sheath surrounding a muscle is indeed a fasciotomy. This procedure is typically performed to relieve pressure within a compartment, often as a result of conditions such as compartment syndrome where excessive pressure builds up within the muscle fascia. Performing a fasciotomy allows for the release of this pressure and helps to restore normal blood flow and muscle function.

In contrast, a myotomy refers to an incision into the muscle itself, which is a different procedure aimed at addressing issues relating to the muscle tissue rather than the surrounding connective tissue. A tenotomy involves cutting a tendon, which is specifically focused on the tendon structures that connect muscles to bones. Lastly, an arthrotomy is a surgical incision into a joint capsule, primarily dealing with intra-articular structures rather than the fascial layers surrounding muscles. Each of these terms represents distinct surgical procedures that target specific anatomical structures, making fasciotomy the appropriate choice for the given definition regarding the fascia.