'arthroplastic' originates from Greek via New Latin, specifically the Greek word 'arthron' and 'plastikos', where 'arthron' meant 'joint' and 'plastikos' meant 'fit for molding'.

'arthroplastic' developed as a compound formation in New Latin/Modern medical Latin from Greek elements ('arthron' + 'plastikos') and entered English medical usage as 'arthroplastic' in formation analogous to 'arthroplasty'.

Initially it carried the literal sense of 'capable of molding or shaping joints' from its roots, but in medical usage it evolved to mean 'relating to the surgical repair or reconstruction (arthroplasty) of a joint'.